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Fireworks and Bonfire Safety

Fireworks are a traditional part of enjoying celebrations such as Bonfire Night or New Year but they are the cause of around a thousand serious accidents every year (source: HSE) - it should be remembered that they are dangerous explosives. The highest number of firework injuries happen at family or private parties. Over half of those injuries are to children. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to an organised event such as the Himley Bonfire.

A display of fireworks
Fireworks display

Fireworks and bonfire events

If you are organising a fireworks display, make sure everyone involved knows what they are doing to avoid any accidents. Find out about your responsibilities to the public and the people working with you when organising a fireworks display. You can contact us or read the information available below:

Buying and selling fireworks

It is illegal to for retailers to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18. The only exceptions are party poppers, cracker snaps, caps, serpents or novelty matches where the minimum age is 16.

Environmental Protection

Noise Nuisance

The Government has introduced a curfew on the use of fireworks during night hours (11 pm to 7 am). You should also ensure that you do not cause a noise disturbance and nuisance to your neighbours and that you don't let off fireworks after midnight on Bonfire Night and after 1.00 am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year as it's against the law. If you're thinking of organising you own display, our downloadable leaflet (at the bottom of the page) gives some good safety advice.

Smoke nuisance and air quality

Fireworks and bonfires produce smoke and pollutants which can damage the environment and can be harmful to health and have an impact on the air quality in Dudley. You can also follow the effect of fireworks on air quality online. Please contact us for more information.

Waste

It is illegal to dispose of commercial waste in a bonfire and you should consider energy efficiency and recycling waste. However, householders may have bonfires but you should should consider recycling your waste. Please contact us for more information or browse the information below:

Animal welfare and wildlife

Fireworks displays can be particularly distressing to animals. Please contact us or browse some of the information below.