Organising Firework Displays

Ideal Firing Area 

Organising a display at home

On the day of the event:

• Read the instructions on your fireworks in advance so you know what you need to do.
• Locate any bonfire away from trees or other buildings such as fences or garden sheds to avoid sparks setting them alight. Do not use petrol or paraffin to light your bonfire.
• Have a bucket of water handy in case of an emergency. You can also put any used sparklers in it.
• Have a torch so you can safely read the instructions on the firework. Light fireworks at arm's length, using a taper.
• Follow the Firework Safety Code: this means that you should, for example:

• Not drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Keep pets indoors

The morning after:

• Carefully check and clear the garden of fireworks, including any misfires ie those that should have gone off but didn't.
• Dispose of fireworks safely

Further guidance

Detailed guidance publications on putting on firework displays are available from HSE Books.

• HSE Guide HS(G) 123 - Working together on firework displays

• HSE Guide HS(G) 124 - Giving your own firework display