27/10/2026
PSNI And NIFRS Issue Halloween Firework Safety Warning
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) have relaunched their Halloween safety campaign, stressing the legal and responsible use of fireworks. Emergency services expect a seasonal rise in calls linked to anti-social behaviour and fireworks misuse.
Superintendent Dan McPhillips said: "We want everyone to stay safe this Halloween and enjoy the celebrations responsibly. Fireworks contain explosive materials and, if misused, can cause serious and life-changing injuries. We're urging everyone to use fireworks legally, safely and respectfully, being mindful of their impact on local communities, people with sensory sensitivities, and family pets.
"The law is clear that fireworks, except indoor fireworks and sparklers, must be bought from reputable, licensed dealers who are required to keep sales records. It is illegal to buy, possess, sell, handle or use fireworks without a licence, and those who break the law could face fines of up to £5,000.
"In the lead-up to Halloween, we're visiting shops across Northern Ireland to ensure licences are up to date and that sellers are complying with all relevant legislation. Our officers will continue to be proactive in recovering illegal fireworks during searches, working closely with our partner agencies to target those involved in their illegal sale.
"Local police will be on patrol to help prevent anti-social behaviour and minimise disruption in communities as much as possible. If you have concerns about anti-social behaviour or the misuse of fireworks, please contact us online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency. We will act on the information you provide."
NIFRS Station Commander Ciaran Flynn said: "Halloween is a fantastic time of year for everyone to come together and celebrate. However, it's also a time when we see an increase in preventable incidents. The misuse of fireworks, sparklers and candles can have a devastating impact, setting fire to property, the environment and clothing. We want everyone to enjoy their Halloween celebrations safely by planning ahead, staying alert and putting safety first.
"Fireworks and sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Always keep them out of reach of children and pets, and be sure to follow the firework safety code. Wear gloves and light them from at least an arm's length distance, and keep a bucket of water nearby to dampen them after use.
"Many Halloween costumes can be highly flammable, so we urge you to keep them well away from naked flames. A simple way to reduce risk is to swap real candles for battery-operated ones, especially in pumpkins and decorations, and to choose costumes made from flame-resistant materials. Make sure you know what to do if your own or a child's costume catches fire. The STOP, DROP and ROLL technique can help extinguish flames quickly and prevent serious injuries."
Authorities also shared practical reminders: be considerate of those who are not celebrating; vandalism, including throwing eggs or flour, will not be tolerated and may be treated as criminal damage; children should be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating and only visit homes of people they know who wish to take part; a licence is required for fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers); only buy from reputable, licensed dealers, not market stalls or door-to-door sellers; it is illegal to possess, purchase, sell, handle or use fireworks without a licence; only adults should light or handle fireworks; never return to a lit firework and always stand well back; it is an offence to throw fireworks in the street or any public place; closely supervise children around fireworks and sparklers; never give sparklers to children under five; light sparklers one at a time while wearing gloves; keep a bucket of water nearby and place used sparklers in it. Breaking fireworks laws can result in fines of up to £5,000.
Further details on fireworks licensing are available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks.
Superintendent Dan McPhillips said: "We want everyone to stay safe this Halloween and enjoy the celebrations responsibly. Fireworks contain explosive materials and, if misused, can cause serious and life-changing injuries. We're urging everyone to use fireworks legally, safely and respectfully, being mindful of their impact on local communities, people with sensory sensitivities, and family pets.
"The law is clear that fireworks, except indoor fireworks and sparklers, must be bought from reputable, licensed dealers who are required to keep sales records. It is illegal to buy, possess, sell, handle or use fireworks without a licence, and those who break the law could face fines of up to £5,000.
"In the lead-up to Halloween, we're visiting shops across Northern Ireland to ensure licences are up to date and that sellers are complying with all relevant legislation. Our officers will continue to be proactive in recovering illegal fireworks during searches, working closely with our partner agencies to target those involved in their illegal sale.
"Local police will be on patrol to help prevent anti-social behaviour and minimise disruption in communities as much as possible. If you have concerns about anti-social behaviour or the misuse of fireworks, please contact us online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency. We will act on the information you provide."
"Fireworks and sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Always keep them out of reach of children and pets, and be sure to follow the firework safety code. Wear gloves and light them from at least an arm's length distance, and keep a bucket of water nearby to dampen them after use.
"Many Halloween costumes can be highly flammable, so we urge you to keep them well away from naked flames. A simple way to reduce risk is to swap real candles for battery-operated ones, especially in pumpkins and decorations, and to choose costumes made from flame-resistant materials. Make sure you know what to do if your own or a child's costume catches fire. The STOP, DROP and ROLL technique can help extinguish flames quickly and prevent serious injuries."
Authorities also shared practical reminders: be considerate of those who are not celebrating; vandalism, including throwing eggs or flour, will not be tolerated and may be treated as criminal damage; children should be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating and only visit homes of people they know who wish to take part; a licence is required for fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers); only buy from reputable, licensed dealers, not market stalls or door-to-door sellers; it is illegal to possess, purchase, sell, handle or use fireworks without a licence; only adults should light or handle fireworks; never return to a lit firework and always stand well back; it is an offence to throw fireworks in the street or any public place; closely supervise children around fireworks and sparklers; never give sparklers to children under five; light sparklers one at a time while wearing gloves; keep a bucket of water nearby and place used sparklers in it. Breaking fireworks laws can result in fines of up to £5,000.
Further details on fireworks licensing are available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks.
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