Are Fireworks Dangerous?

• The dangers of fireworks
• What to do if a fire occurs on your property
• How to dispose of unused fireworks safely
• Firework fire safety tips
• Frequently asked questions
• Contact us today

A dazzling nighttime firework display to celebrate Bonfire Night, Christmas, and New Year might be a pleasant experience, but it can have disastrous consequences if mismanaged. Fireworks can easily lead to a fire if improperly handled and put people at risk of serious burns. In the event of a fire on or inside your property, you must bring in professionals for fire damage cleaning. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we can quickly restore your home as close to its previous condition as possible with our fire restoration services. Our technicians can remove soot and ash, collect waste, and eliminate all lingering odours in your home. In an emergency, they can be on site in a matter of hours. 

Keep reading to find out how dangerous fireworks are and how to use them safely. 

The dangers of fireworks

Fireworks, although beautiful and thrilling to watch, pose a real threat if not handled with utmost care. Their explosive, unpredictable nature can lead to serious accidents if you are too close to or holding them when they go off. A mishandled firework can cause severe burns and injuries. 

They are also notorious for causing property damage should they be left off inside or near a home, or near a car. A house fire can, in turn, put the people inside or near the property in serious danger. 

Fireworks can cause air pollution which may result in health issues, as well. They release smoke and dust filled with heavy metals which may exacerbate respiratory issues in people who already have conditions such as asthma or COPD. In addition, loud explosions from fireworks can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, especially in children whose ears are still developing.

Due to the hazards associated with them, there are lots of different laws related to who can buy fireworks and how to use them. You can find out more here. 

What to do if a fire occurs on your property

If fireworks do cause a fire on your property, acting fast is key. Call 999 right away and report the incident. You can find out exactly what you need to do after a fire in this blog. 

Once everyone's safe and help is on its way, remember that dealing with after-fire clean-up is not something you should tackle alone. Fire and smoke damage is very dangerous to be exposed to, and can put people at risk of serious respiratory problems. 

Cleaning up after a house fire goes beyond surface-level dusting and scrubbing. All of the soot and ash must be removed which requires specialist tools, training, and personal protective equipment. Professional cleaners will be able to thoroughly clean and decontaminate your home, giving you peace of mind that it is safe to stay in. 

How to dispose of unused fireworks safely

The safe disposal of fireworks is vital to prevent accidents. Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry area away from kids and animals until you are prepared to discard them.

Then, check if there is a local collection event for hazardous waste near you. Many councils hold these events where they accept items like leftover fireworks to ensure your unwanted fireworks don't end up causing harm or polluting the environment.

If no such events are available, another option is asking companies that sell fireworks to dispose of them for you. Not all sellers offer this service so ask first before buying. Alternatively, you can also submerge them in water for 48 hours, bag them, and then put them in the bin. 

Firework fire safety tips

First, you should never consume alcohol or drugs when handling and setting off fireworks. Impaired judgement can lead to serious accidents. Maintain alertness and make sure those around you do as well.

Only one person should deal with fireworks at any time, too. This helps control the situation and limits potential mishaps. Spectators need to keep a safe distance while they enjoy the fireworks as stray sparks and hot firework debris can cause burns.

You should also always have water ready should anything go wrong. Don't forget that you must never attempt to relight a dud firework as it could suddenly explode while you're near it. Leave them alone for 20 minutes then soak them in water before disposal. 

You can find more fireworks safety tips and advice for having bonfires on your property here. 

Frequently asked questions

Is it ever dangerous to have fireworks?

Fireworks can be perilous if mishandled. They pose risks of burns, fires, and even serious injuries.

What is a safe distance from fireworks?

The safest distance depends on the type of firework but generally 25 metres or further is advised for viewers.

How do you stay safe with fireworks at night?

Only use legal fireworks, follow safety guidelines strictly, and always keep water handy in case of emergency.

Contact us today

Our accredited team of experts can quickly make your home safe. They have many years of experience providing our fire damage restoration services, and have access to industry-leading cleaning tools and training to deliver a thorough job. 

You can book our technicians for fire damage cleaning by calling 0208 066 0360 or sending an email to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk.