Warning issued to households lighting fireworks in gardens

Households planning to enjoy Bonfire Night celebrations with a garden firework display have been issued an important warning before lighting the fuse. While there’ll be no shortage of grand firework displays going on across the country this week, sometimes a smaller, private affair is more appealing. But opting to light fireworks in the comfort of your back garden does come with a safety warning.

Serious injury lawyers are urging households to check they have sufficient space in their garden before setting off fireworks, or it could lead to devastating consequences.

If you’re planning a private display, it’s vital to check the minimum safety distance on firework packaging and ensure your garden is suitable before purchasing fireworks.

Under current safety advice, fireworks must be used at the minimum spectator distances specified on the packaging, but just because fireworks can be bought for home use, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe to use in all gardens.

Some fireworks require considerably more space than an ordinary garden can provide, so it’s vital to check the safety distance before lighting it up.

Vicky Blodwell, partner at Lime Solicitors, warned that people sometimes underestimate the risks associated with fireworks that are purchased for home use.

She said: “People sometimes assume that because they can buy fireworks for home use, they must be safe to set off in their garden. But that isn’t necessarily the case.

“People often aren’t aware that every firework has a minimum spectator safety distance, which will be stated on its packaging. If the garden or area is not large enough to maintain that distance – and provide sufficient space for the firework’s fallout – you should not use that firework.

“It only takes one firework to go off course for someone to suffer a very serious injury. The consequences can be life-changing, particularly where someone suffers severe burns or damage to their eyes.”

The warning comes ahead of Bonfire Night this Thursday, followed by Diwali celebrations on Sunday, which will see many families across the country celebrating with fireworks at home.

Government safety advice recommends buying fireworks from legitimate retailers, following the instructions and keeping spectators at the distances specified on the packaging. Fireworks must also not be set off or thrown in streets or other public places.

Anyone planning a private display is urged to consider attending a professionally organised event if they cannot safely accommodate fireworks at home.

Vicky added: “I’d encourage anyone planning a display at home to think carefully about where the fireworks will be set off, how far away spectators will be standing and whether children can be kept safely away from the firing area.

“Fireworks are an important part of celebrations for many families, and nobody wants those celebrations to end in someone being seriously injured. Taking the time to plan properly can make an enormous difference.”