Fireworks and Bonfire Night Safety

Published 24th Oct 2024

Whilst most people enjoy fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause problems.

Remember fireworks are explosives and should be treated as such – the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed at all times, along with the ‘firework code’ Fireworks: the law – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We strongly encourage people to attend organised displays rather than having their own at home. We’ve put together a list of displays on our website Details of Local Bonfire and Firework Displays – North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (northyorksfire.gov.uk)

If you are planning a home display, we ask you to think carefully and consider the following:

  • Plan you display to make it safe and enjoyable
  • Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
  • Read and follow the instructions on each firework
  • Light the firework at arm’s length, with a taper and stand well back
  • Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
  • Never return to a firework once it has been lit
  • Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
  • Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
  • Sparklers are not toys and should never be given to children under the age of 5
  • Make sure to wear gloves if you’re handling sparklers.

If you are building a bonfire, please consider the following:

  • Check for hedgehogs and other wildlife which may have taken shelter in your bonfire before lighting
  • Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
  • Don’t build bonfires close to trees, hedges or sheds
  • Never leave a lit bonfire unattended
  • Make sure the bonfire is out and surrounding areas are made safe before leaving

A reminder from our colleagues at North Yorkshire Police

  • Never set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public place
  • You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night (November 5) when the cut off is midnight, New Year’s Eve (December 31), Diwali (October 31, 2024) and Chinese New Year (January 29, 2025) when the cut off is 1am.
  • You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers, for private use between 15 October and 10 November, 26 December and 31 December and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At all other times, you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.
  • You can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90