Bonfire night basics
As Bonfire Night approaches, many people will be looking forward to an evening of fireworks, sparklers and bonfires with family and friends. However, without appropriate care, these celebrations can result in injuries, property damage and disputes between neighbours.
If you are planning a private display, it is important to understand the rules surrounding the purchase and use of fireworks, the responsibilities you have towards visitors and neighbours, and what you can do if someone else’s celebrations become dangerous or disruptive.
Aditi Kanojia from ARAG Law answers some common questions about the legal considerations surrounding Bonfire Night.
Who can buy fireworks?
You must be aged 18 or over to buy adult fireworks, which are classified as category F2 or F3, this does not include things like party poppers. Category F4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.
Fireworks for private use can generally be bought from registered sellers between 15 October and 10 November, between 26 and 31 December, and during the three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At other times of the year, they can only be purchased from shops licensed to sell them throughout the year.
When can fireworks be set off?
Fireworks must not normally be set off between 11pm and 7am. However, the cut-off is extended to:
Local restrictions may also apply, so it is sensible to check with your council before organising a display.
These rules apply in England and Wales. Different or additional controls may apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so residents should check the rules applicable where they live.
Where can fireworks be used?
Fireworks, including sparklers, must not be set off or thrown in the street or other public places. A private garden or other suitable private land, with the landowner’s permission, is generally the appropriate location for a home display.
If you are a tenant, you should also check your tenancy agreement, as it may contain restrictions relating to bonfires or fireworks at the property.
What responsibilities do you have when holding a display?
Anyone organising a private fireworks display should take reasonable steps to protect visitors, neighbours and surrounding property.
This includes:
Buying fireworks from a legitimate seller
Following the manufacturer’s instructions
Using fireworks suitable for the size of the space
Keeping spectators at the recommended safety distance
Ensuring children are properly supervised
Taking precautions to prevent fire, injury or property damage
Checking relevant guidance before the event
If someone fails to take reasonable care and another person is injured, or their property is damaged, the person responsible could potentially face a civil claim.
Homeowners should also check their home insurance to understand what protection may be available for damage caused by fire, smoke or an explosion, together with any conditions that apply.
Can you burn anything on a bonfire?
No. Household waste must not be burned if doing so would cause pollution or harm people’s health. Recycling, composting or an appropriate council collection service should be used to dispose of household and garden waste wherever possible.
Particular care should be taken not to burn materials that could produce harmful smoke or fumes, such as plastic, rubber or painted and treated items.
You could also be fined if you allow smoke from a fire to drift across a road and endanger traffic.
Can you stop a neighbour from having a bonfire?
There is no general prohibition on garden bonfires. However, the smoke and fumes they produce could become a statutory nuisance.
A council must investigate complaints about smoke that may unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises, or which may injure health. When deciding whether smoke amounts to a statutory nuisance, environmental health officers may consider factors such as its volume, frequency, duration and the reasonableness of the activity.
If the council decides that a statutory nuisance is taking place, has taken place or is likely to happen, it must serve an abatement notice requiring the person responsible to stop or restrict the smoke.
Where it is safe and appropriate to do so, speaking to your neighbour and explaining how their bonfire is affecting you may help resolve the issue. If the problem continues, you can report it to your council’s environmental health team.
If a fire presents an immediate danger to people or property, contact the emergency services.
Who is responsible if a neighbour’s fire or fireworks damage your property?
Responsibility will depend on the circumstances and whether the person holding the display took reasonable precautions.
If someone failed to control a bonfire, used fireworks unsafely or did not take reasonable steps to prevent fire from spreading, they could potentially be liable for the resulting damage.
If your property is damaged, notify your home insurer promptly and retain any relevant evidence, such as photographs, recordings, witness details and correspondence with the person responsible. Your insurer can explain the next steps and whether the damage falls within your cover.
What happens if someone is injured at a private fireworks party?
An occupier of premises owes visitors a duty to take reasonable care for their safety. The host of a fireworks party should therefore take appropriate precautions, follow the instructions supplied with the fireworks and keep guests at a safe distance.
If a visitor is injured because the display was arranged or conducted negligently, the organiser may potentially be held liable.
Where an injury appears to have been caused by a defective or malfunctioning firework, the circumstances may also need to be investigated. The packaging, instructions, receipt and any remaining parts should be kept safely, where possible, as they may provide important evidence.
Anyone who is injured should seek appropriate medical help and obtain legal advice about their individual circumstances.
What can you do about fireworks being set off in the street or late at night?
The law prohibits fireworks, including sparklers, from being set off or thrown in a street or other public place. Fireworks must also not be used during the restricted hours unless one of the recognised exceptions applies.
If fireworks are being used illegally or are creating an immediate danger, the matter can be reported to the police. Concerns about persistent noise or smoke may also be raised with the local council.
What are the penalties for breaking firework laws?
Anyone selling or using fireworks illegally can receive an unlimited fine and up to six months’ imprisonment. An on-the-spot fine of £90 may also be issued.
Separate civil liability may arise if negligent behaviour causes injury or property damage.
Celebrate safely
Bonfire Night should be an enjoyable occasion, but anyone organising a private celebration should understand the rules and take sensible precautions.
Buying fireworks legally, following the safety instructions, considering the impact on neighbours and acting quickly if something becomes unsafe can help everyone enjoy the evening without unnecessary risk or disruption.
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