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Are your children safe around fireworks? The Bonfire Night safety tips every parent needs to know

Are your children safe around fireworks? The Bonfire Night safety tips every parent needs to know

NHS figures show a 42% rise in firework-related hospital admissions last November, with children suffering life-changing injuries.

Young bot plays with sparkler during Guy Fawkes night in the UK.

Getty/The Wickerman Photography

Serafina Kenny

Published: November 3, 2026 at 11:10 AM

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Bonfire Night is rapidly approaching, and the NHS is urging families to take extra care around fireworks and sparklers after a sharp rise in firework-related injuries.

New figures show there were 85 firework-related hospital admissions in England in November 2025, compared with 60 in November 2024, an increase of 42%.

Across the whole of 2025, admissions reached 161, up from 120 the previous year, and the NHS is particularly concerned about the number of children suffering serious, sometimes life-changing, injuries.

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Children are suffering life-changing injuries from fireworks

Anna Baker, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Children’s Burns and Plastics, said the increase in injuries was concerning, warning that some children will need further treatment in the years ahead.

She explained: “These children are having life-changing injuries, often from fireworks which have been purchased for use in their homes as we have seen a reduction in organised displays that the public can attend.

Bonfire Night is a great opportunity to be with friends and family, but this data is a timely reminder of the danger fireworks can pose – and it’s children that often end up paying a devastating price.

Professor Frankie Swords, NHS medical director

Professor Frankie Swords, NHS medical director, also urged families to keep children safe during celebrations.

She said: “Bonfire Night is a great opportunity to be with friends and family, but this data is a timely reminder of the danger fireworks can pose – and it’s children that often end up paying a devastating price.

“Some have suffered life-changing injuries, turning what should be a night of fun into a nightmare. So it’s vital you keep a close eye on children and loved ones to help prevent accidents like this, and know the NHS is available 24/7 if you need us.

“Call 999 in an emergency, and the NHS website also offers information on the prevention and treatment of burns, as well as first aid measures, for anyone who needs it.”

How to keep children safe around fireworks this Bonfire Night

According to research from the Children’s Burns Trust, firework-related burns requiring admission to specialist burns units among children increased by 63% between 2024 and 2025.

The research also found that:

Most firework injuries happen at home displays.
Many injuries involve the hands, head or eyes.
Rockets, air bombs and sparklers cause many injuries.
Boys, particularly those aged 12 to 15, are more likely to be injured than girls.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends attending a professionally organised public firework display rather than holding an event at home.

If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, there are several important safety rules to follow.

Two young families standing outside in garden on cold, dark night, watching fireworks together

Getty/Mike Harrington

The Firework Code

Only adults should handle, light and dispose of fireworks.
Buy fireworks from reputable retailers and check they carry a UKCA or CE safety mark.
Read and follow the instructions on each firework.
Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper, then stand well back.
Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
Never put fireworks in your pockets or throw them.
Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
Direct rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
Make sure bonfires are fully extinguished before leaving.

How to use sparklers safely

Sparklers are sometimes seen as a safer alternative to fireworks, but they can still cause serious injuries. They can reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees when lit and are "where we see the most common cause of injuries during fireworks seasons," Baker says. “Always stand well away from fireworks and dispose of sparklers in cold water buckets."

RoSPA recommends that parents:

Never give sparklers to children under five.
Supervise children at all times.
Wear gloves when handling sparklers.
Hold sparklers at arm’s length.
Light only one sparkler at a time.
Never run while holding a sparkler.
Keep sparklers away from faces, clothing and other people.
Never hold a baby or young child while using a sparkler.
Put used sparklers straight into a bucket of cold water.

What should you do if someone is injured by a firework?

Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a difference. The NHS advises seeking medical help promptly if someone is injured.

If someone suffers a burn:

Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes.
Remove jewellery or restrictive clothing near the injury, if safe to do so.
Once the burn has cooled, loosely lay cling film over it. Do not wrap it around the injury.
Seek urgent medical advice for large burns.

If someone suffers an eye injury:

Do not rub the eye.
Do not try to remove any debris.
Seek urgent medical attention immediately.

If someone's clothing catches fire, remember: STOP, DROP and ROLL. Stop moving, drop to the ground and roll until the flames are extinguished.

Call 999 immediately if someone has suffered a serious injury.

Authors

Serafina Kenny journalist headshot

Serafina KennyDigital Journalist

Serafina Kenny is a Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes news and features and has expertise in health, nutrition, relationships, and history. She has previously written for Business Insider, Women's Health, Stylist, Men's Health US, The i Paper, Dazed, and more. You can contact her with tips and story ideas (or compliments!) at serafina.kenny@immediate.co.uk.