Keeping safe on Bonfire Night

We, your local Neighbourhood Police Officers want all our residents to enjoy bonfire night safely, whether that be at home or at an organised display. 

Below you will find information from the Met.Police website detailing the law around using fireworks as well as how to stay safe and report those using fireworks in a dangerous or anti social way. 

Fireworks and the law:

Q: What time can fireworks be used?

A: Fireworks can be used in the UK any time from 7am to 11pm.

Exceptions are:

Categories of fireworks:

Who can use fireworks?

According to The Fireworks Regulations 2004 and The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015:

Offences:

It’s an offence to throw or set off any firework (including sparklers and category 1 fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space

What is the impact of firework misuse?

Used irresponsibly, fireworks can cause damage to property and do significant harm to people and animals. Not only is there a danger from fireworks exploding, they can also pose a serious fire risk as well.

This is why members of the public may only use fireworks on private property, such as their back gardens, and only licensed professionals can use them in public places.

What you can do:

If a local retailer is selling adult fireworks to people under 18, please report it to your local Trading Standards.

If children are setting off fireworks in your area, our first advice is to ask them politely to stop. It’s possible they’re unaware that they are breaking the law. If you know their parents, perhaps ask them to intervene. 

If you’re having an ongoing problem with people setting off fireworks, please report antisocial behaviour to us.

To ensure your celebrations are as safe as they are spectacular, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has provided essential guidelines for handling fireworks responsibly. These tips cover everything from safe storage and ignition distances to what to do in an emergency, helping you protect yourself, your family, and your property. 

Please refer to the attached LFB leaflets for a comprehensive list of best practices before using any fireworks this season.

Here is also a map of risk assessed public professional firework displays from the London Fire Brigade 

https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/fireworks/fireworks-map/