Remember, remember... the impact of fireworks!

It's nearly Bonfire Night, and the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have launched their annual campaign to highlight the dangers associated with fireworks misuse, and the laws designed to help keep us all safe.

The safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is at an organised display, and you can find a list of public events taking place in South Ayrshire here.

Locations include Ayr, Ballantrae, Barrhill, Girvan, Kirkmichael, and Troon between Saturday 2 and Saturday 9 November.

Safety guidance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

While fireworks can be great fun, they can be dangerous if not used properly. During bonfire season, most firework injuries treated at emergency departments happen at informal private displays, and the most common injuries are to the wrist, hand, head, face and neck.

This Bonfire Night, make sure you know the law and best practice around the use of fireworks, which are in place to reduce incidents and injury:

• It is illegal to buy, attempt to buy, give or in any way make a firework available to someone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks (like sparklers).
• It is illegal to set fireworks off before 6pm and after 11pm. This extends to midnight on 5 November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
• It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks.
• It is illegal to set off fireworks in a Firework Control Zone, including on private property, other than category F1 fireworks like sparklers.
• It's safer to celebrate at an organised event if there's one in your area, but if you're planning a private display at home, make sure you know how to keep you and your loved ones safe:
  • Keep a safe distance.
  • Follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.
  • Not all fireworks are suitable for private use. It depends on the size of your garden. Visit firescotland.gov.uk for more safety advice and to download our leaflet.
• It's important to think of others and be aware of the impact fireworks can have on those around you. The loud and sudden noises can be distressing for some people with sensory impairment, and pet owners know only too well the distress they can cause animals.

Enjoy fireworks safely. For more advice visit firescotland.gov.uk

To report the misuse of fireworks anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Published 17 October 2024