Firework and Bonfire Safety

Safety Advice For Firework Celebrations

October and November is the time of year when many families within West Sussex and Brighton and Hove will be celebrating Diwali and Bonfire Night outdoors with bonfires and colourful displays of fireworks.

The Children’s Burns Trust report that an estimated 550 children under the age of 16 will attend Accident and Emergency departments during the four weeks surrounding Bonfire Night with firework related or burns injuries. With most of these injuries happening at family or private displays.

The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a large public display, but should you decide to celebrate at home, follow the recommended advice below from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to enjoy safer celebrations.

Remember the Firework Code

1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
2. In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry a CE marking or the UKCA mark. In the case of Northern Ireland look either the CE mark or for the UKNI symbol. You may also see the UKNI mark along with the UKCA or CE symbol. Keep your fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. CE, UKCA and UKNI markings on fireworks demonstrate that the product has been tested to the required essential safety standard.
3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
4. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit
7. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Sparkler Safety

• It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s
• Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves
• Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit and light them one at a time
• Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people
• Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler
• When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.

 Bonfire Safety

• One person should be responsible for the bonfire and children should be supervised
• Choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and where children will be playing
• Never pour petrol, paraffin or meths on to a fire – it’s safer to use fire lighters to prevent flare-ups
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of an accident
• Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair
• After the party, pour water on the fire, rather than leaving it to burn out.

Further information is available at the following websites:

Firework safety: Lessons for little ones | Child Accident Prevention Trust (capt.org.uk)

Firework safety tips from Fireman Sam | Child Accident Prevention Trust (capt.org.uk)

Firework safety – RoSPA