Fireworks and Bonfire Night

Fireworks and Bonfire Night

Good Morning,

With the approach of Bonfire Night and accompanying firework displays, it's important to remember the rules for their use and some general safety information, please see below. I hope everyone has a great time over the coming weeks. 

PC Sinclair and PC Gordon

South Perthshire Community Policing Team

Auchterarder Police Office 

Email: TaysideCommunityPolicePerthandKinross@scotland.police.uk

Who can use fireworks

You must be over 18 to have, buy or set off ‘adult’ fireworks. You can only use these in a private place like your garden.

Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks and include things like rockets and Roman candles - they do not include sparklers and party poppers. 

Where you can use fireworks

It is against the law to have adult fireworks or pyrotechnics like flares in a public place (includes the street, parks, and roads) without a reasonable excuse. These rules are stricter at large sport and music events where no fireworks at all are allowed, including category 1 fireworks.

When you can use fireworks

You can only use adult fireworks in private places, between 6pm and 11pm. 

It is illegal to set them off at other times, except for: 

·  Bonfire Night (5 November), when the cut off is midnight 

·  New Year’s Eve, the night of Chinese New Year, and Diwali, when the cut off is 1am 

There are different rules in areas designated as Firework Control Zones where you must not set off fireworks anywhere at any time.

Public fireworks displays 

There is an exception for organised public firework displays and professionally organised displays which can take place from 7am on the above dates. 

There are a small number of other exceptions. Read the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 to find out more.

Using fireworks safely

When using fireworks you must follow all safety rules on the packaging and use fireworks responsibly, ensuring you don't cause a nuisance or alarm to others. 

Be considerate. People and animals may be affected by fireworks. Let your neighbours know in advance if you’re planning on using any fireworks. Be mindful of where you place fireworks to minimise disruption

You should follow the Fireworks Code (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website). You can also access general information on fireworks and bonfire safety.

You can also get firework safety information from the Health and Safety Executive. 

Report illegal use of fireworks

If you believe someone is using fireworks illegally, report this to the police. You can also fill out the Crimestoppers online form if you want to report a crime anonymously.

Find out how to report noise and antisocial behaviour.

·  Your fireworks might be in your garden, but their impact can reach much further. The choices you make before, during and after your display can affect the people, animals and communities around you.

·  This firework season, think beyond your garden and know your impact. Your firework display might only last a short time, but giving your neighbours advance notice can make a real difference.

·  Some people find unexpected fireworks genuinely distressing. Others may simply want time to prepare themselves, their children or their animals.

·  Using fireworks safely means thinking about more than just the people watching your display.

·  Read the instructions, follow the required safety distance and make sure everyone involved knows what to do.

·  Think about how your choices affect the people, animals and spaces around you too.

·  Wait until everything is completely cool, then soak spent fireworks and debris in water overnight before bagging and disposing of them appropriately.

·  Don’t leave your mess for someone else to deal with — especially in shared spaces or neighbouring gardens.

·  Think beyond your garden. Know your impact.