Fireworks are fun and exciting but remember that if used incorrectly can be dangerous.

There are several types of fireworks available, and on this page, you can learn more about them.

There are three types of firework available for sale to the UK consumers:

• Category 1 - Indoor Fireworks
• Category 2 - Garden Fireworks
• Category 3 - Larger Garden / Display Fireworks

Category 2 & 3 Fireworks are essentially the same, however, Category 2 Fireworks are suitable to use in smaller gardens and carry a minimum safety distance of 5 meters. Cat 3 Fireworks are considered larger carry a minimum warning of 25 meters safety distance.

Organising Your Display

In order to get the best from your display, planning is key. Nominate one person who will be responsible for the fireworks. For larger events, please do enquire about our professionally fired displays.

It is vital to ensure that the firing site is suitable for the event. Please refer to the image below to gain an understanding of the space required to safely execute the event.

How to organise your firing site:

Prior to lighting any firework, it is important to read and understand all instructions given. Various fireworks require different mounting positions and must be set out in a particular manner.

An example of this is the mine - the mine should be securely placed on flat ground and the lighter should ensure that it will not fall over during the performance. A second example is fan barrages. This must be put in the right direction, to ensure not only the spectators obtain the best view, but to ensure that the firework can be fired safely.

Barrages, candles and fountains should all be buried in soft earth, sand, or can be attached to wooden/metal stakes buried into the ground, when doing so, ensure that the stake is nearest the audience and attach the firework with strong cloth tape or thick cable ties. By placing the firework behind the stake, you minimise the risk of the firework falling over and facing the crowd. Remember to angle your fireworks whether buried or staked away from the audience. If it's raining you can use plastic bags or bin liners to keep your fireworks dry.

Fountains sometimes come in the shape of a cone, making it hard to secure. We recommend that this type of fireworks is placed on a board or flat surface such as paving slab. This will reduce the risk of it falling over.

Rockets should be fired from suitable tubes. All of our rocket packs come with the relevant tube. When launching a rocket, ensure the tube is facing slightly away from you, ensuring that it is not aimed at any obstructions. This will ensure the rocket explodes ahead of the spectators, giving a full view of its effect.

Prior to lighting a rocket, ensure that the product can freely lift out of the tube. This will ensure that rocket and stick can safely lift off the ground.

If a rocket stick is broken, do not use it, this is highly dangerous.

If you are having a bonfire they should be a safe distance downwind of the firework area and must be supervised at all times. Never use inflammables such as petrol or paraffin to start the fire and under no circumstances dispose of used or unused fireworks on the bonfire.

Please see the below images for the correct mounting of various fireworks.

On The Night

Always wear protective clothing, goggles, hat and gloves for extra protection. For added safety, we recommend that firers wear flame retardant overalls.

When lighting fireworks, only select one at a time and do not keep fireworks in your pocket. Ensure that only authorised personnel are allowed inside the firing area.

Ensure that a torch is nearby in the firing area to reconfirm the instructions. Do not use a naked flame, and ensure that fire extinguishers, water buckets or sand are in easy reach.

When lighting the fireworks, we recommend using portfires for increased accuracy and safety. Fireworks should always be lit at arm's length. Once lit, retire to a safe distance.

NEVER RETURN TO A LIT FIREWORK, EVEN IF YOU THINK ITS NOT LIT.