Firing fireworks safely

Fireworks are brilliant fun when they're fired properly, and firing them properly is straightforward. This is the same advice we give across the counter in Glasgow every day of the season.

The golden rules

• Over-18s, always. Adult fireworks and sparklers are strictly 18+. We ID on delivery.
• Store them closed. Keep fireworks in a closed box somewhere cool and dry, away from anything that burns.
• Pace out the distance. Garden fireworks (F2) need 8 metres of clear space; display fireworks (F3) need 25.
• Light at arm's length. Use a portfire, never a match or lighter. Light the end of the fuse, then walk back. Don't run.
• Never go back. If one doesn't go off, leave it at least 20 minutes, then soak it in water. Never try to relight it.
• Two buckets. Water for sparklers and duds, sand or soft earth for planting barrages and rockets.
• Sparklers need gloves. One at a time, never for under-fives, and straight into the water bucket afterwards.
• Warn the neighbours. A quick word lets people settle pets and children indoors.
• One sober firer. One person runs the display and stays off the drink until the finale's done.

Fireworks and the law

In Scotland you can only set fireworks off between 6pm and 11pm, later on the big nights: midnight on Bonfire Night, and 1am for New Year, Diwali and Chinese New Year. 

In England and Wales fireworks are off-limits between 11pm and 7am, with the same later finishes on Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

Anywhere in the UK it is an offence to set off or throw a firework, sparklers included, in the street or any other public place. The public can buy category F2 (garden, 8 metres) and F3 (display, 25 metres); category F4 is for licensed professionals only.

This is a plain-English summary and not legal advice. The official guidance is at gov.uk for England and Wales and gov.scot for Scotland.

Not sure what suits your space? Send us the size of your garden and we'll tell you honestly what will work in it.