Fireworks, safety and the law

Fireworks at home

Please be mindful of other people and animals if you have fireworks at home.

• Blue Cross: fireworks and pets
• RSPCA: pets and fireworks
• Gov.uk: fireworks and the law
• County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service: bonfire and fireworks safety

Organising a public display

If you are thinking of holding a public event, please visit the events safety information for organisers page.

You may need a licence for the storage of fireworks if you want to use a large amount of fireworks.

See also: County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service: organised bonfire events information

Storage and selling of fireworks

You may need a licence for the storage and sale of fireworks, depending on how much you are storing and when you want to sell them. This also applies to other explosive products, such as flares and marine safety devices, small arms ammunition, fuses, ammunition primers and desensitised explosives.

You are committing an offence if you sell fireworks:

• to anyone under the age of 18 years (under age sales)
• that are louder than 120 decibels
• that do not meet BS7114

See also: Business Companion: fireworks - storage and supply.

Safety advice

Did you know? A rocket can reach speeds of 150 mph and sparklers are five times hotter than cooking oil.

• Stay safe with fireworks
• Staying safe with fireworks (PDF, 810 KB)

Illegal bonfires

Each year, the fire service deals with hundreds of nuisance incidents relating to bonfires. If you see an illegal bonfire being built, report it to us and will organise for the bonfire to be dismantled.

Make sure you don't leave your rubbish bin out. It, or the rubbish in it, can be used for fuel. A replacement bin costs £25.00.