01 November 2023 , 15:31
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As Bonfire Night approaches, Brits are being warned to follow the rules or risk serious injuries and hefty fines as an unwelcome consequence.
While many of us look forward to the season of fireworks and sparklers, outdoor experts are urging people to be careful when setting off fireworks in their gardens as reckless behaviour can lead to serious injuries and instant fines. According to GOV.UK, it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, but this curfew is extended to midnight on Bonfire Night.
The law also states that you must not set off or throw fireworks - including sparklers - in the street or other public places, unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals. Setting off fireworks in public spaces and on the street can result in on-the-spot fines of £90.
If you're found guilty of using fireworks illegally, you can be given unlimited fines and imprisonment of up to six months. Brits can also pay a penalty if they light a bonfire and the smoke drifts onto the road, posing a danger to traffic.
While bonfires in back gardens are legal, the law says you can't get rid of household waste if it will pollute the air or harm people's health - this rule applies to burning. Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: "Bonfire Night is one of the best nights in the year to gather with friends and family and enjoy fireworks in the back garden.
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"But it's easy to get carried away with the festivities and you could be putting yourself at risk of serious injury by lighting fireworks wrong or piling up a bonfire too high. Acting recklessly on Bonfire Night can also result in criminal convictions, as lighting fireworks on the street past midnight can lead to unlimited fines and in some cases, imprisonment. We've put together answers to common queries to avoid confusion and ways everyone can keep safe during the celebrations."
What fireworks can we use?
Only adults over 18 can buy fireworks from registered sellers. The fireworks you can get are those in categories 1, 2 and 3. You could get into trouble for using a category 4 firework in your back garden as only professionals can use and buy them.
When can we buy fireworks?
You can only buy fireworks from registered sellers for private use between the 15th of October and the 10th of November. The dates change for different events and celebrations throughout the year.
Do the rules apply to all areas of the UK?
While the law says not to use fireworks past midnight on Bonfire Night, it's best to check with your local council as rules can differ.
Tips for a safe Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night is a highly-anticipated annual event, but Gardening Express has highlighted some important safetly rules that everyone should follow. These include:
- Staying safe around a bonfire - Use long-reach lighters to start the fire and keep a bucket of water or hose close by. Keep an eye on the flame and make sure no one gets too near
- Putting out sparklers - Sparklers are fun for kids, but they need to be watched all the time. Have a bucket of water ready to put used sparklers in
- Setting up fireworks - Always read the instructions on the fireworks box because each type is different. Make sure it's on a flat and stable part of the garden and everyone is standing back at a safe distance. Move all garden furniture out of the way and set the firework away from trees so nothing blocks its path when it goes off
- Looking after your pets - Make sure all pets are inside when the bonfire is lit and fireworks are going off. If they're scared by the loud noises, close the blinds and curtains and have some background noise on to distract them
- Protecting wildlife - Make small piles of leaves and logs to give frogs, toads and newts somewhere else to shelter, away from the fire. Watch out for any hedgehogs and if you see any, gently move them to a safe part of the garden.
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