Charity urges safety as firework-related accidents rise by 42 per cent
An accident prevention charity has called for safety ahead of this year's Bonfire Night celebrations following a rise in firework-related accidents.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has urged safety ahead of Bonfire Night following a 42 per cent rise in firework-related accidents nationally.
New data from the Home Office revealed 246 such incidents occurred in 2024/2025, up from 185 in the previous year.
The RoSPA has said that the new figures highlight 'a worrying trend' in unsafe firework use.
The charity said that fireworks are a leading cause of "seasonal injuries" and property damage in the UK, and that despite safety campaigns, "human error remains the primary factor" in more than 75 per cent of incidents.
Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at RoSPA, said: "Fireworks are powerful explosives, not toys. Only adults should handle them and never mix alcohol with lighting fireworks. Store them safely in a closed box, light at arm’s length with a taper, and never go back to a lit firework.
"Always buy CE or UKCA-marked products, aim rockets away from people, and remember sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures — treat them with care.
“The shocking rise in incidents over the past year is a stark reminder of the dangers they pose when misused. We strongly advise families to attend organised displays wherever possible, as they are far safer than home-based celebrations."
The charity said that while organised events offer safer and more spectacular displays, those organising events at home should consider the following tips:
Only adults should handle fireworks
Avoid alcohol if you are lighting fireworks
Store fireworks in a closed box
Always light fireworks at arm's length with a taper
Never return to a firework after lighting
Direct rockets well away from spectators
Always buy fireworks with a CE or UKCA mark
Handle sparklers with care; they burn at extremely high temperatures
Fire service advice
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service encouraged everyone to attend an organised display this Bonfire Night; however, if you are organising an event at home, to remember the firework code.
See Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's firework code below:
Only buy fireworks that are CE marked.
Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed box.
Follow the instructions on each firework.
Light them at arm's length, using a taper.
Stand well back.
Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode.
Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
Always supervise children around fireworks.
Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
Never give sparklers to a child under five.
Keep pets indoors.
Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.
