Every year, approximately 2,000 people attend A&E in the UK during the Bonfire Night season following fireworks-related injuries. Over a five-year period, nearly 1,000 people were formally admitted to hospital relating to fireworks discharge. The injuries are frequently severe — eye injuries, hand and facial burns, and in some cases loss of fingers or limbs. In 2024/25, fireworks-related fire incidents rose by 42% year-on-year to 264 incidents according to Home Office data.

Critically, the data consistently shows that the risk of injury is significantly higher at private or family displays than at professionally organised public events — where trained operators follow strict protocols and emergency medical provision is in place.

Key facts and figures

  • ~2,000 A&E visits each year in the UK due to fireworks-related injuries during the Bonfire Night season (NHS England).
  • 1,835 people attended A&E for firework injuries in England in 2018/19 — the most recent full-year NHS data prior to COVID disruption.
  • 3,591 A&E visits in England during October and November alone between 2015 and 2019 (JPIMedia Data Unit analysis).
  • Nearly 1,000 admissions Over a five-year period, there were nearly 1,000 hospital admissions relating to the discharge of fireworks in England (NHS England).
  • 116 admissions in 2020/21 formal hospital admissions for firework injuries — 21 involving children aged 14 or under.
  • +42% in 2024/25 Fireworks-related fire incidents rose to 264, compared to 185 in 2023/24 (Home Office data, reported October 2025).
  • Over 75% Human error remains the primary factor in over 75% of fireworks-related fire incidents.
  • Up to 1,500°C Most fireworks reach temperatures capable of causing deep tissue burns requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
  • 9 in 10 male of hospital cases were male; 20–34-year-olds accounted for more than one in three hospital spells.
  • Eyes, head & hands Most injuries affect the most commonly exposed parts of the body when lighting or standing near fireworks.
  • 48% vs 41% 48% of injuries occurred at family or private parties; 41% at public displays (DTI Fireworks Injury Survey data).
  • +146% (RoSPA, 2024) A 146% increase in firework-related injuries cited from Home Office casualty data — from 13 casualties in 2022 to 32 in 2023.
  • One visit every 21 seconds The NHS burns advice page averages 8,208 visits over the Bonfire Night weekend, versus 3,241 per day the rest of the year (NHS England, 2023 data).

2,000 A&E visits every year — and most at private displays

Every year, approximately 2,000 people attend A&E in the UK during the Bonfire Night season following fireworks-related injuries. Over a five-year period, nearly 1,000 people were formally admitted to hospital relating to fireworks discharge. The injuries are frequently severe — eye injuries, hand and facial burns, and in some cases loss of fingers or limbs. In 2024/25, fireworks-related fire incidents rose by 42% year-on-year to 264 incidents according to Home Office data.

Critically, the data consistently shows that the risk of injury is significantly higher at private or family displays than at professionally organised public events — where trained operators follow strict protocols and emergency medical provision is in place.

Why private displays are more dangerous

The consistent finding across decades of fireworks injury data — that private and family displays carry higher injury rates than professional organised displays — reflects several structural factors:

  • Absence of trained operators: Professional fireworks displays are managed by trained pyrotechnicians who understand safe firing distances, fuze handling, misfire procedures, and the specific hazards of each type of firework.
  • Alcohol: Private parties frequently involve alcohol consumption among those handling or watching fireworks. Alcohol significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and risk assessment.
  • Incorrect storage and handling: Consumer fireworks must be stored correctly and handled according to specific instructions. In informal settings, these protocols are regularly ignored — improper storage in warm environments, carrying fireworks in pockets, or attempting to relight failed fireworks.
  • No emergency provision: At a professional display, first aiders and emergency plans are in place. At a garden display, help may be minutes away.

The same principle underpins workplace safety more broadly: trained, competent people following a clear plan dramatically reduce the chance of a foreseeable hazard turning into a serious injury. A structured fire safety awareness approach — knowing how fires start, how burns happen and what to do when something goes wrong — is exactly what separates a controlled event from an avoidable trip to A&E.

The Firework Code

The Firework Code — promoted by RoSPA, the HSE, and fire services — sets out the key safety principles for consumer fireworks use:

  • Only buy fireworks marked UKCA or CE
  • Never give fireworks to children under 18
  • Never carry fireworks in pockets
  • Follow instructions on each firework; light at arm's length using a taper
  • Stand well back
  • Never return to a lit firework — even if it appears not to have gone off
  • Never throw or misuse fireworks
  • Keep pets indoors
  • Ensure a water bucket is available

Sparklers: Sparklers burn at up to 2,000°C — hot enough to melt gold. Three sparklers held together generate the same heat as a blowtorch. Children under five should never handle sparklers; those using them should wear gloves and hold them at arm's length.

Sources & references

From food hygiene and fire safety to first aid, mental health and more, we offer a wide range of accredited, online courses you can start today.

Browse all 22 accredited courses →
Mark McShane
Mark McShane
Fire Safety Training Specialist, Online CPD Academy

Mark writes about workplace fire safety, compliance and accredited online training for Online CPD Academy.