Bonfire Night and Diwali: when fireworks must stop, and how to stay safe

With Bonfire Night tomorrow and Diwali on Sunday, here is a reminder of the rules on fireworks, and how to enjoy them safely and considerately in Birmingham.

When fireworks must stop

It is generally against the law to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. There are exceptions for a few nights of the year: on Bonfire Night, 5 November, the cut-off is extended to midnight, and on Diwali, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year it is extended to 1am.

The usual 11pm cut-off applies again over the weekend after Bonfire Night. Letting off fireworks outside the permitted hours can lead to an on-the-spot fine of up to £90.

Other rules worth knowing

It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18, and under-18s must not carry fireworks in public. It is also against the law to set off or throw fireworks, including sparklers, in a street or other public place. Serious breaches of fireworks law can be dealt with by the courts, with an unlimited fine or a prison sentence.

Spare a thought for neighbours and pets

Not everyone enjoys the bangs. Katherine Alderson of the Firework Campaign told the BBC that the season now stretches from October to January, and that her dog Ted is terrified. "We're not saying that you can't necessarily have your fireworks," she said. "We just feel that there should be some degree of sense and sensibility here."

The campaign wants to "reduce avoidable harm, restrict the loudest fireworks and use alternatives such as public displays or quieter fireworks". Andy Hubble, director of Star Fireworks in Bracknell, said any changes to the rules must be "proportionate and evidence-led".

A simple courtesy goes a long way: letting neighbours know if you are planning fireworks gives pet owners and people who find the noise distressing time to prepare.

Staying safe

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised public display, and there are plenty across Birmingham this week. If you are having your own:

Buy fireworks only from a registered shop and check they carry the UKCA or CE mark. Follow the instructions on each firework, light at arm's length with a taper, and stand well back. Never go back to a firework once it has been lit, even if it seems not to have gone off. Keep a bucket of water nearby, and keep children and pets well away.

Sparklers burn at very high temperatures and are not suitable for under-fives. Give older children gloves, hold sparklers at arm's length, and put used ones hot end down in a bucket of water.

If someone is burned, cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes and call 999 or NHS 111 for advice. Have a safe and happy Bonfire Night.