Are Your Fireworks Safe? Nine South West Businesses Fall Short on Safety Regulations

Fireworks are all about bringing excitement and joy to celebrations, but behind the spectacular bursts of colour lies a serious responsibility: safety. Unfortunately, not everyone in the South West is playing by the rules. Recent inspections by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service found that nine out of 49 businesses in Devon and Somerset weren’t meeting legal requirements for storing and selling fireworks.

If you’re gearing up for New Year’s Eve or another celebration, it’s essential to know you’re buying your fireworks from a reputable, safety-conscious business. At Epic Fireworks, we take firework safety as seriously as the grand finale of a top-notch display.

Here’s what you need to know about the findings—and how to shop safely.

What Did the Inspections Find?

Over the last few months, Trading Standards officers inspected businesses across towns such as Exeter, Newton Abbot, Bridgwater, and Glastonbury. Out of 49 businesses, nine were found to have varying levels of non-compliance. This ranged from minor lapses to more serious safety concerns that could have posed significant risks to neighbouring buildings and homes.

Two businesses in particular required immediate attention due to the location of their fireworks storage near residential areas. Fire hazards in these cases were so concerning that the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service had to step in.

Improper storage isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a potentially life-threatening hazard. Fireworks are explosive materials, and when stored incorrectly, they can create the sort of chaos no one wants to deal with.

Why Firework Storage Matters

Storing fireworks safely is about more than ticking boxes; it’s about protecting lives, property, and ensuring everyone can enjoy the show worry-free. Proper firework storage:

• Reduces the risk of accidental ignition.
• Protects the quality of the fireworks so they perform as intended.
• Complies with legal safety standards, which exist to keep everyone safe.

At Epic Fireworks, we’re fanatical about storage. So much so, that In our series The Ultimate Guide to At-Home Firework Displays we cover at home fireworks storage in part two and go into detail about how to safely store fireworks at home before your big event. Spoiler alert: dumping them in the garage next to the barbecue fuel isn’t the answer.

How Can You Ensure You’re Buying Fireworks Safely?

Not every business takes firework safety as seriously as we do, but there are ways to make sure you’re shopping with a reputable retailer. Here’s what to look for:

1. Licensing: Only buy from businesses licensed to sell fireworks. Reputable sellers will display their licence clearly, and they’ll be happy to answer your questions.
2. Ask About Storage: Don’t be shy—ask how the fireworks are stored. If they’re reluctant to tell you, it’s a red flag.
3. Packaging and Labelling: Fireworks should be in their original, undamaged packaging with clear instructions and CE marking.
4. Reviews and Reputation: Check online reviews and ask friends or neighbours for recommendations. A dodgy reputation is often a sign of dodgy practices.

What Makes Epic Fireworks Different?

At Epic Fireworks, we don’t just follow firework safety regulations—we champion them. Our storage facilities are designed to keep fireworks safe, secure, and in top condition. We work closely with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and go above and beyond to educate our customers about proper firework handling and storage.

When you buy from us, you’re not just getting breathtaking fireworks—you’re getting peace of mind.

We're the UK's Leading Firework Retailer and are your go-to for everything you need to put on an awesome fireworks display. Whether it’s for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, or any other special occasion, we’ve got you covered with the biggest range of the UK's most powerful consumer fireworks, from sparklers and fountains to show-stopping barrages and rockets.

Looking for something easy but still impressive? Our DIY firework display packs come with everything you need to create a stunning show, with easy-to-follow instructions to help you fire like a pro. Plus, our fireworks are up to 5 times more powerful than supermarket fireworks so you'll be getting more bang for your buck, literally!

Shop our full range of fireworks today

Wrapping It Up

The recent findings in the South West are a sobering reminder that not all businesses take firework safety as seriously as they should.

But here’s the good news: you can avoid the risks by choosing a reputable retailer like Epic Fireworks. We’re proud to lead by example, offering top-quality fireworks alongside expert advice on how to store and use them safely.

So, as you prepare for your next celebration, remember this: fireworks are thrilling, but safety is the foundation that lets us enjoy them. Buy wisely, store safely, and let’s keep those “oohs” and “aahs” focused on the sky—not the headlines.