With bonfire night approaching, anyone thinking of buying and using fireworks is urged to do so safely.
“If you’re planning to set off any fireworks this year, we want you to enjoy them safely and responsibly,” says David Marsh, Trading Standards Team Leader for Shetland Islands Council.
Buy wisely
Make sure you buy your fireworks from licensed retailers, whether in-store or online. Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites, and remember that it is illegal for people under 18 to buy fireworks. The law now allows fireworks to be sold only between 7am and 6pm.
Keep to the permitted times
It is against the law to set off fireworks before 6pm, and the firework curfew is midnight on 5th November, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year.
Be considerate
If you plan to set off any fireworks, let your neighbours know in advance. Bear in mind that people are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals on traditional firework dates.
Follow the instructions and keep people at a safe distance
Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on every box – you need to know important things like how far away people must be. If you do not understand the instructions and warnings, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight. Then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.
- Advice for consumers and businesses about firework sales and safety is available by emailing trading.standards@shetland.gov.uk or by calling 01595 744887
- Any concerns about fireworks being used inappropriately, or set off outwith the permitted hours, should be passed to Police Scotland by phoning 101 (but in an emergency dial 999).
- The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has Fireworks Safety information on their website and a leaflet for download (PDF file)