Are indoor fireworks safe?

1st Galaxy 51

The short answer to this is yes, but only if you buy fireworks that are specially designed to be used indoors and from a reputable company.

Indoor fireworks may sound very dangerous, but if you choose certified Category 1 fireworks and be careful where you buy them from – they’re actually perfectly safe.

These fireworks are designed to be used at a safety distance of 1 metre and tend to last around 60 seconds on average. They are safe to use as they don’t give off much smoke and are nowhere near as explosive as outdoor fireworks, which are designed to create large, impressive displays for hundreds of spectators. You can buy indoor sparklers and indoor ‘ice fountains’, so named because they don’t give off hot sparks like outdoor fireworks.

What are indoor fireworks used for?

The most common use of indoor fireworks is for birthday celebrations. If candles don’t make quite enough impact for you, why not surprise the birthday boy or girl with a fantastic pyrotechnic display? As long as everyone is standing at least a metre away and all safety instructions are followed, this can make quite a spectacular table decoration. They’re an awful lot of fun and a great way to mark a special occasion, making a landmark birthday really one to remember.

Category 1 fireworks are also fantastic for other occasions when you want to create a spectacle or add in a surprise element. Any kind of performance or show can be started or finished with a bang (quite literally), and indoor fireworks are brilliant for decorating wedding cakes.

Safety tips and things to remember

A fun event or party is one where everyone stays safe, whereas a trip to A&E is most certainly not fun! Here are some general safety tips to help you buy and use Category 1 fireworks:

  • Only buy CE Certified products from a reputable supplier. All Category 1 products at 1st Galaxy Fireworks are CE Certified
  • Always ensure that fireworks are clearly labelled ‘for indoor use’. For example, never use outdoor sparklers inside – they can produce potentially dangerous smoke when used inside and are also incredibly hot! Buy specially labelled indoor sparklers and fireworks instead.
  • Read the instructions before setting up, and ensure that anyone helping you knows exactly what to do and what not to do during the display
  • Be suspicious of super cheap fireworks. If something is bargain basement cheap, there is probably a reason. The fireworks could be dangerous, non-functional or give off so much smoke that the effect will be ruined.
  • Check everything is fully extinguished before throwing fireworks out. No one wants a fire in their dustbin!
  • Avoid alcohol when setting up indoor fireworks. Just like with outdoor fireworks, no one under the influence of alcohol should be in charge of setting them off. It just isn’t sensible, as you may be more reckless and not follow all the safety instructions after a few too many at a party.