Firework Safety 2026: Make sure your Bonfire Night doesn't end in disaster with these expert tips - including the Firework Code
Follow these simple tips and celebrate this November in safety.
It’s nearly time for Bonfire Night, when we ‘remember, remember the fifth of November’ and Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot to blow up the House of Lords in 1605.
One of the ways the occasion is traditionally marked is by setting off fireworks and lighting bonfires, but in recent years the colourful pyrotechnics have increasingly caused issues in towns and cities.
From antisocial behaviour and injuries, to terrified dog and Firework Control Zones (FCZs), they have all too often made the headlines for negative reasons.
That’s why police and fire services now recommend that people go to an organised display rather than buying fireworks to set off in the garden.
But, if you do want to put on your own display, then it’s important to follow safety advice - including the Firework Code.
To help out, the experts at High Speed Training have call on anyone responsible for a display must understand how to handle explosives and fires safely.
Dr Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training, explained: “The risks associated with fireworks, bonfires, and even sparklers are significant, but they are also manageable. We urge anyone hosting a display to follow the Firework Code meticulously. Simple steps like planning your display, keeping a safe distance, supervising children, and never returning to a lit firework are essential to prevent devastating injuries."
Here’s everything you should keep in mind before you light your first rocket.
The Firework Code: Top Priorities
- Buy from a reputable shop: Only purchase fireworks that are UKCA marked (or CE marked) from a licensed seller.
- Keep them boxed: Keep fireworks in a closed, fireproof box. Take them out one at a time.
- Follow instructions: Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for each firework.
- Light at arm's length: Use a taper or safety lighter (not a match) to light fireworks at arm's length, then stand back immediately.
- NEVER return to a lit firework: Even if it hasn’t gone off, do not go back to it. It could still explode.
- Maintain a safe distance: Ensure spectators stand well back, behind a designated line or barrier.
Bonfire Safety
- Choose a clear site: Build the bonfire well away from fences, sheds, trees, and buildings.
- Check for wildlife: Before lighting, inspect the pile for hiding pets or wild animals, such as hedgehogs.
- NEVER use accelerants: Do not use petrol, paraffin, or other flammable liquids to light the fire. Use domestic firelighters instead.
- Keep water nearby: Have buckets of water or a connected hosepipe ready for emergencies.
- Supervise at all times: Never leave a bonfire unattended.
- Extinguish completely: After the event, thoroughly douse the bonfire with water to ensure all embers are fully extinguished before leaving it.
Sparkler Safety
- Not for under-5s: Sparklers are extremely dangerous and should never be given to children under the age of five.
- Wear gloves: When handling sparklers, always wear gloves.
- Supervise children: Always supervise children closely.
- Keep your distance: Don’t wave sparklers near other people.
- Extinguish in water: Sparklers stay incredibly hot (up to 1600°C). Plunge them into a bucket of cold water after use.
Stay sober and be mindful
It's vital that a sober adult is in charge of lighting the fireworks; never drink alcohol if you're managing the display. Remember, it's illegal for under-18s to carry fireworks in public, and there's a strict 11pm curfew for setting them off.
Be a good neighbour by informing them in advance, and keep your pets safely indoors with the curtains closed and background noise on. Finally, for personal safety, tie back long hair near the bonfire, wear eye protection, and never throw discarded fireworks onto the flames, as they could still explode. Knowing the basics of treating a minor burn is also a sensible precaution.
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