Fireworks Injury Statistics UK: The Definitive Guide (2026)

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.

Key Facts & Figures (Overview)

• Approximately 2,000 people attend A&E 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 (most recent full-year NHS data prior to COVID disruption)
• Between 2015 and 2019, there were 3,591 A&E visits in England during October and November alone (JPIMedia Data Unit analysis)
• Over a five-year period, there were nearly 1,000 hospital admissions relating to the discharge of fireworks in England (NHS England)
• In 2020/21: 116 formal hospital admissions for firework injuries; 21 involving children aged 14 or under
• Fireworks-related fire incidents rose 42% in 2024/25 — 264 incidents compared to 185 in 2023/24 (Home Office data, reported October 2025)
• Human error remains the primary factor in over 75% of fireworks-related fire incidents
• Most fireworks reach temperatures of up to 1,500°C — capable of causing deep tissue burns requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation
• Nine out of ten hospital cases were male; 20–34-year-olds accounted for more than one in three hospital spells
• Most injuries affect the eyes, head, and hands — the most commonly exposed parts of the body when lighting or standing near fireworks
• 48% of injuries occurred at family or private parties; 41% at public displays (DTI Fireworks Injury Survey data)
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a large, professionally organised public display — this is both RoSPA and NHS guidance
• RoSPA data 2024: a 146% increase in firework-related injuries cited from Home Office casualty data (from 13 casualties in 2022 to 32 in 2023)
• The NHS burns advice page receives an average of 8,208 visits over the Bonfire Night weekend — equivalent to one visit every 21 seconds — compared to 3,241 per day during the rest of the year (NHS England, 2023 data)

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 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.

Written by CPD Experts

This guide was produced by the team at Online CPD Academy, a UK provider of CPD-accredited online training courses. Our health and safety training covers burns first aid, event safety management, and risk assessment for organisations organising or operating at events involving fireworks.

Sources & References

• NHS England – NHS Burns Advice Sought Every 21 Seconds Over Bonfire Night Weekend (2023) – https://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/11/nhs-burns-advice-sought-every-21-seconds-over-bonfire-night-weekend/
• NHS England – Demand for NHS Burns Care Soars Over Bonfire Night and Diwali (2019) – https://www.england.nhs.uk/2019/11/demand-for-nhs-burns-care-soars-over-bonfire-night-and-diwali/
• NEN Press – Bonfire Night Safety Fears After 42% Rise in Fireworks-Related Incidents (November 2025) – https://nen.press/bonfire-night-safety-fears-after-42-rise-in-fireworks-related-incidents/
• Deeside.com / RoSPA – RoSPA: 146% Rise in Firework Injuries Spurs Safety Warnings (October 2024) – https://www.deeside.com/rospa-146-rise-in-firework-injuries-spurs-safety-warnings/
• Gov.UK / Home Office – Victims from Fires with Fireworks, by Injury Severity and Type, 2010 to 2023 – https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/victims-from-fires-with-fireworks-by-injury-severity-and-type-2010-to-2023
• RoSPA – Fireworks and Bonfire Safety – https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/fireworks-safety