Fireworks

It is against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions:

• Bonfire Night when the cut off is midnight. For more information on bonfires please visit our bonfires page.
• New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when the cut off is 1am 

Penalty for breaking the regulations is up to £5000 fine and/or six months imprisonment.

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from possessing fireworks and anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks in a public place. The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.

Firework safety advice

Fire safety advice includes: 

• only purchase fireworks from a reputable shop. They should have CE and BS 7114 written on the box to prove they conform to British Standards
• keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
• use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
• never put fireworks in your pocket
• read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp. Never use a naked flame
• be aware of your surroundings and things nearby that could catch on fire and cause fire to spread, for example buildings, fences, trees and shrubbery  
• light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper or a firework lighter
• stand well back and never return to a firework after it has been lit as it could explode in your face
• always supervise children around fireworks
• never throw fireworks
• keep all pets and animals indoors
• take care of sparklers; wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished

Fireworks and animals

Many people are not aware how much suffering fireworks can cause to animals. Please think carefully about the local animals if you are planning to have fireworks in your back garden. Anyone organising a firework display should inform their neighbours, as well as local stables/horse owners. It is not a good idea to let fireworks off anywhere near fields or farms.  

• please adhere to the curfews set
• make sure pets and other animals are safely away from fireworks
• after your display, clear up firework fallout and dispose of it safely

RSPCA advice on Fireworks for Pet Owners

Who to call

The police are responsible for dealing with problems from fireworks being let off, contact 101 (non-emergency).  

Trading Standards are responsible for dealing with the illegal sale of fireworks, contact 0345 045 5206.  

For any other issues or questions please contact Environmental Services.

Email: ContactUs@eastcambs.gov.uk 
 Telephone: 01353 665555