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Organising a bonfire or fireworks display

If you are in any doubt about safety, we recommend that you always attend a local organised display such as the Himley Bonfire and Fireworks Display.

Firework displays should be enjoyable and spectacular occasions – but they need responsible planning.

If you are organising a major public event, you will need a robust and detailed approach to planning as well as professional involvement.

If you are holding a local firework display, such as those organised by many sports clubs or schools, you still need to plan responsibly, but the same level of detail is not necessary or expected.

Dudley Safety Advisory Group

The Dudley Safety Advisory Group advises on safety matters, to ensure that public safety is maintained at all events held in the Borough – however large or small.

Event organisers are encouraged to consult with the Safety Advisory Group, who can offer advice in planning your event. In certain circumstances you may be invited to a meeting to discuss your proposals.

The information below is if you are intending to organise a display yourself and provides a summary of the safety information available to you.

Before the event

  • Think about who will operate the display. There is no reason why you should not light a display yourselves provided it only contains fireworks in categories 1, 2 and 3. Remember, category 4 fireworks may only be used by professional firework display operators. In untrained hands they can be lethal
  • Consider whether the site is suitable and large enough for your display, including a bonfire if you are having one. Is there space for the fireworks to land well away from spectators? Remember to check in daylight for overhead power lines and other obstructions. What is the direction of the prevailing wind? What would happen if it changed?
  • Think about what you would do if things go wrong. Make sure there is someone who will be responsible for calling the emergency services
  • Make sure you obtain the fireworks from a reputable supplier
  • If the display is to be provided by a professional firework display operator make sure that you are clear on who does what, especially in the event of an emergency
  • Ensure you have a suitable place to store the fireworks. Your firework supplier should be able to advise
  • If you plan on selling alcohol the bar should be well away from the display site

On the day of the event

  • Re-check the site, weather conditions and wind direction
  • Do not let anyone into the zone where the fireworks will fall. Do not let anyone other than the display operator or firing team into the firing zone or the safety zone around it
  • Discourage spectators from bringing drink onto the site
  • Do not let spectators bring their own fireworks onto the site
  • If you will also have a bonfire at the display:
    • Check the structure is sound and does not have small children or animals inside it before lighting it
    • Do not use petrol or paraffin to light the fire
    • Have only one person responsible for lighting the fire. That person, and any helpers, should wear suitable clothing, e.g. a substantial outer garment made of wool or other low-flammable material
  • Make sure that the person lighting the fire and any helpers know what to do in the event of a burn injury or clothing catching fire
  • Never attempt to relight fireworks. Keep well clear of fireworks that have failed to go off

The morning after

  • Carefully check and clear the site
  • Dispose of fireworks safely. They should never be burnt in a confined space (e.g. a boiler)

Organising a major public display

For major displays, particularly those involving category 4 'professional' fireworks or very large number of spectators, a more robust approach is needed.

  • Plan and mark out the areas for spectators, firing fireworks (and a safety zone around it) as well as an area where the fireworks will fall
  • Think about how people will get into and out of the site. Keep pedestrian and vehicle routes apart if possible. Mark exit routes clearly and ensure they are well lit. Ensure emergency vehicles can get access to the site
  • Appoint enough stewards/marshals. Make sure they understand what they are to do on the night and what they should do in the event of an emergency
  • Contact the emergency services and local authority. If your site is near an airport you may need to contact them
  • Signpost the first aid facilities

Insurance

Although it's not required by health and safety law, if you are holding a public firework display, it is a good idea to have public liability insurance.

Remember that not all companies are used to dealing with this type of event. As with any other type of insurance, it’s worth shopping around. Look for a company that’s used to insuring firework and other public events. You are likely to get much better deal and avoid unsuitable terms and conditions.

If you have difficulty with the standard insurance terms, talk to your insurer and find a way forward; they can be very helpful.

Further information

Contact Us

Telephone: 0300 555 2345

Office hours: Monday to Friday - 8.45am to 5pm
Offices are closed on weekends and bank holidays.