Firework Injury Statistics UK: Hospital Admissions and Trends

Firework admissions over five years

The annual counts were 132, 109, 113, 123 and 158 across the five-year series ending in 2025/26. Together they total 635 admissions. The latest increase was 35 admissions, or a calculated 28.5%.

These financial-year figures cover the whole year, including injuries outside Bonfire Night. With relatively small annual counts, a change of a few admissions can produce a noticeable percentage movement.

Firework injuries treated in A&E

NHS England reported almost 2,000 fireworks-linked A&E attendances in 2018/19. The same 2019 release reported almost 1,000 admissions across the preceding five years.

In that historical admissions group, nine in ten cases were male and more than a third of hospital spells involved people aged 20–34. These demographic findings belong to the earlier period; the current admissions series provides the more recent overall count.

What hospital and fire-service figures measure

A&E attendance records treatment in an emergency department. A finished admission episode records the first period of care under one consultant after admission; it does not count unique people. Fire-service casualty data cover incidents attended by fire and rescue services. A person may appear in more than one system.

The admissions series therefore captures one part of the injury burden. Injuries managed elsewhere, or without treatment, fall outside it.

Private fireworks and organised displays

The Home Office recommends attending organised public displays. Comparing injury risk between public and private displays also requires attendance figures and consistent reporting, alongside counts of injuries.

For home displays, use a reputable supplier, check the appropriate UKCA or CE marking and follow the instructions and space requirements for each firework. Rules differ across the UK nations.

Firework and sparkler safety

Keep fireworks away from children and animals. Never return to a lit firework, carry one in a pocket or throw it. Avoid alcohol while setting fireworks off and keep water nearby.

Supervise children, light sparklers separately and wear gloves. Home Office guidance says never to give sparklers to children under five.

Frequently asked questions

How many firework injuries lead to hospital admission?

England recorded 158 finished admission episodes attributed to firework discharge in 2025/26. These episodes are one part of the wider injury burden and do not count unique people.

Are firework hospital admissions increasing?

The latest count rose from 123 in 2024/25 to 158 in 2025/26, an increase of 28.5%. The five-year series totals 635 admissions.

How many firework injuries are treated in A&E?

NHS England reported almost 2,000 fireworks-linked A&E attendances in 2018/19. This historical figure covers the whole year in England.