Bonfire and Firework safety

The Firework Code 

The Fireworks Code • Only buy fireworks from licenced retailers and ensure they have the CE mark. • Only an adult should buy and handle fireworks. • Fireworks should be kept in a closed box and away from children and pets. • An adult should carefully read and follow the instructions for lighting fireworks. • Fireworks should be lit one at a time and at an arm's length. • Always stand well back after lighting fireworks. • Never go back to a lit firework. • Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket

 

Using sparklers safely

Sparkler Safety • Never give sparklers to children under five years old. • Make sure everyone who handles sparklers wears gloves. • Sparklers should be held at arm’s length while being lit. • Light sparklers one at a time. • Don’t wave sparklers around close to other people • Never hold a baby in your arms while you’re holding a sparkler. • When the sparkler has burned out, place it hot end down in a bucket of cold water or sand and leave it there for several hours.

 

Buying fireworks

Buying fireworks from unlicensed sellers is illegal and dangerous.

These fireworks may not meet safety standards, increasing the risk of serious injury, fire, or even prosecution.

  • Always buy from reputable, licensed retailers and make sure the fireworks have the CE mark or UKCA mark on the box.
  • Only buy fireworks up to Category 3.
  • Remember, only adults can buy fireworks and set them off.
  • Fireworks for private use, and from a registered seller, can only be sold between October 15 and November 10 (around Bonfire Night), between December 26 and December 31 (for New Year’s Eve) and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.
  • For the rest of the year, you will only be able to buy fireworks from shops that are licensed to supply them.
  • If you think a shop is unregistered, or selling fireworks when they shouldn’t, contact your council’s Trading Standards Officer.
  • Your council will also have a list of registered sellers.  
  • There is a Trading Standards ‘Firework Hotline’ 03000 260913. 

 

Disposing of fireworks

After your firework has gone off, leave it for 30 minutes and then place it in a bucket of water for 24 hours.

Then put the wet firework in a plastic bin bag, tie the bag closed and put it in the appropriate bin.

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on disposing of fireworks safely after use. 

 

Find an organised event  


✅ County Durham 👉  https://bit.ly/3SRxv5W
✅ Darlington 👉 https://bit.ly/3TRmO4V

 

Fireworks and the law  

There are laws about when fireworks can be set off.   

It is against the law to:

  • Set off or throw fireworks in the street or other public place.
  • Set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am – except during certain celebrations.
  • You can let off fireworks until midnight on Bonfire Night and until 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

If found guilty by the courts, you could be fined up to £5,000 and can be imprisoned for up to three months. 

You may be liable for an on-the-spot fine of £80.   

If you are under 18 years of age you can't buy the types of fireworks which can be sold only to adults and possess fireworks in public places. 

You may be liable for an £80 on-the-spot fine.

 

Bonfires  

We advise you not to have a bonfire as fire can spread easily and can cause injuries.  

Calls to the fire and rescue service and the police from annoyed neighbours or concerned members of the public are a drain on resources and may delay attendance at other incidents.   

If you do decide to have a bonfire, where and how you build your bonfire is important as fire can spread rapidly.  

If you have a bonfire, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Warn your neighbours beforehand - they are much less likely to complain.
  • Light the bonfire at a time least likely to affect your neighbours - e.g. not on a warm day when people will be in their garden.
  • Only burn dry material not damp, which causes more smoke.
  • Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees.
  • Check there are no cables - like telephone wires - above the bonfire.
  • Don’t use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going – it may get out of control quickly.

 

Bonfire safety tips 

Once the bonfire is lit, make sure you:

  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby - in case of emergencies.
  • Don’t leave the bonfire unattended.
  • Keep children and pets away from the bonfire.
  • Don’t throw any fireworks into the fire.
  • Don't burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury.
  • Once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving it.  

 

Council flytipping removal service 

If you notice a build-up of waste during the bonfire period, you can report it to the council.

Durham: Flytipping - Report - doitonline - Durham.

Darlington:  Darlington BC - Fly tipping and needles

Doing so helps keep you and others safe this Bonfire Night.

 

Bring your bin in 

Bringing your bins in as soon as possible after they've been emptied during the bonfire period reduces the risk of them being damaged, stolen, or used to fuel fires, helping to keep your property and community safe.

 

Reporting incidents to FireStoppers 

Deliberate fires destroy lives. If you have information on deliberate fires in your area you can tell us 100% anonymously. tell us what you know. Call FireStoppers on 08001695558.