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STAY SAFETY CONSCIOUS

Take a moment to watch the educational video below, where we share practical tips and reminders to help you stay safety-conscious and enjoy your fireworks experience responsibly.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

As you prepare to enjoy your fireworks, take a look at these safety tips we’ve carefully curated to help you celebrate responsibly while keeping yourself and others safe.

Keep clear of fireworks

Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product. Never look into a tube to check on the firework item. Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand. Keep as far from the firework item as possible when lighting.

Use care in lighting the fireworks

Always light firework products with an extended lighting device. Use safety glasses when lighting fireworks. This will enable you to keep as far from the firework item as possible. Light the Firework product and get away quickly. Respect the fireworks, because if used improperly, they can be dangerous.

Be cautious of lighting fireworks in windy conditions

Fireworks should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from spectators.

Have water close by

Have an accessible fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby for emergencies. There should always be one individual assigned as the fireman, whose sole job is to be alert and ready with a water source.

Use in a clear, open area outdoors

Always keep the audience a safe distance away from the shooting site. Always light your fireworks in a clean open area away from buildings, vehicles, and shrubbery. You should avoid lighting the fireworks in any area where there is dry grass or bush that could catch fire or near any flammable items. Never use fireworks indoors. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

Children should not handle fireworks

Fireworks are not toys and should never be placed in the hands of children. The sparks, heat, and unpredictable behavior of fireworks can cause serious injuries if mishandled. Always ensure that fireworks are handled only by responsible adults while children watch from a safe distance.

Never use the fireworks as weapons

Never aim, point, or throw any fireworks at another person or at any property.

Purchase fireworks from reliable dealers

Licensed and reliable dealers will only carry those products that meet standards set and enforced by authorities. Do not use illegal explosives. Do not alter any firework device. Do not make your own fireworks.

Do not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol

Fireworks may be used only by individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are impaired in any way when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury to yourself and others.

Use fireworks on a hard surface

Always light fireworks on a hard, flat, and level surface to ensure the stability of the items. Grass is generally not suitable.

Light only one firework item at a time

To reduce the risk of accidents, always light just one firework at a time. Attempting to ignite multiple items together can lead to unpredictable explosions, loss of control, and serious injuries. Take it slow, step back promptly after lighting, and enjoy each firework safely.

Use care in handling fireworks

Do not carry fireworks in your pockets or on your person. It is preferable to keep the products in a closed container before ignition. Always be careful in handling fireworks to prevent dropping them. Never smoke when handling fireworks.

Don’t use malfunctioning or ‘dud’ items

Never attempt to light, alter, or fix any ‘dud’ firework item. If a firework fails to ignite, let it stand for at least five minutes, then immerse it in water. Dispose of the item properly.

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place

Keep your fireworks in a cool, dry place to prevent damage and reduce the risk of accidental ignition. Heat, moisture, or direct sunlight can compromise their quality and make them unsafe to use. Always store them securely and away from children or open flames.

Be careful with animals

The noise and lights of the fireworks often frighten some animals. You may want to consider moving the animals away or keeping them inside during your display.

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A Pet Owner’s Guide to
Fireworks Season

As you prepare to enjoy your fireworks, take a look at these safety tips we’ve carefully curated to help you celebrate responsibly while keeping yourself and others safe.

If possible, keep your pets indoors

Close your curtains and distract them by turning on the TV or radio. Create a ‘safe haven’ for them in a small crate or box, or use a pet carrier.

Secure your pets outdoors

If you prefer your pets remain outside, ensure that their enclosure or kennel is comfortable and securely locked. Also check and secure fences and gates so that they cannot ‘squeeze through’ an opening and run away. Check periodically on your pets and soothe them.

Practice fire safety

Keep pet away from matches, open fires, and fireworks- especially ones that are lit on the ground. Pets may try to sniff (or eat) fireworks, and pet hair can easily catch fire if too close to the fireworks.

Use a leash or carrier

If you plan to take your pet away from home with you, keep it on a leash or in a carrier at all times.

Make sure your pet has ID

Pets with identification tags carrying contact information are easier to locate in the event that they run away.

Ask your vet for medication

If your pet is high- strung, your vet may prescribe medication to keep it calm. To avoid complications due to any underlying medical problems, ensure that the medication you use is vet- recommended and that you administer the correct dosage for your pet’ weight.

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Fireworks Legislation

In Trinidad & Tobago, the use and sale of fireworks are guided by specific laws and regulations to ensure public safety. It’s important to be aware of these rules before purchasing or setting off fireworks, as they outline where, when, and how fireworks can be used responsibly.

New Legal Updates: Summary Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025
This Bill introduces stronger safety controls and enforcement powers.
Under the Explosives Act (Chap. 16:02), wholesalers and retailers must have a valid license to import and sell fireworks.

A permit from the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service is required to discharge any fireworks outside of the stipulated hours.
Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Permits are valid only for the details listed.

Fire Service Notification
Permit holders must notify the Fire Service at least 14 days in advance, including full event details.
Restricted Zones (½ Mile Radius — No Fireworks Allowed)
Fireworks may not be discharged within half a mile of:

Public hospitals
Private hospitals
Airports
Zoos
Registered animal shelters
Animal farms
Forest reserves
National parks

Safety Restrictions
Fireworks must only be used:

On your own property, or
On property where you have written permission.

Additionally:

Fireworks cannot be discharged into or near houses, buildings, vehicles, or streets.
Activities causing danger, nuisance, or unsafe conditions are prohibited.
Children may use toy fireworks only with adult supervision.

When You Do Not Need a Permit

Public holidays: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 31st: 11:30 PM – 12:30 AM

Fixed Penalty (Ticket) System
Police may issue ticket-style fines that include:

Details of the offence
Fine amount
Payment deadline
Court appearance information

You have 14 days to pay the fixed penalty. Unpaid notices proceed to court.
Video recordings from mobile phones or tablets are admissible as evidence.

Responsible Use of Fireworks
Using fireworks properly ensures compliance with the law, but social responsibility is equally important.
Fireworks can distress:

The elderly
The sick or recovering
Veterans or individuals with PTSD
Babies and young children
Household pets and wildlife

Through responsible distribution and sustained public education, FireOne has played a pivotal role in eliminating dangerous cultural practices such as bamboo bursting and carbide explosions, replacing them with safe, controlled, and modern alternatives. This commitment is grounded in the belief that we are our brother’s keeper—that celebration must never come at the expense of another person’s safety or well-being.

Every product we sell is inspected by AFSL, an independent international agency, to verify full compliance with global safety and quality standards. In addition, FireOne has adopted international best practices from bodies such as the NFPA, setting a higher benchmark for safety, accountability, and responsibility within the fireworks industry.

Our approach goes beyond compliance; it reflects a collective responsibility to protect communities, families, and first responders while preserving the joy and cultural significance of celebration.

FIREWORKS EFFECTS

Fireworks come in many forms, from sparklers and fountains to aerial shells and Roman candles. Knowing the types helps you choose the right effects for your celebration while using them safely.

Crackers

A small paper cylinder usually no more than 1 ½” in length) containing pyrotechnic composition that produces a bang when ignited. Crackers vary in size and loudness, and are usually used in chains or packs for repeated bursts.

Fountain

A ground-based firework that emits a steady upward spray of sparks, colored flames, and sometimes crackling or whistling effects. It remains stationary and typically lasts between 20 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the size.

Multicake

A single firework unit made up of multiple small tubes fused together, each containing a shot that fires in sequence. It is designed to launch a series of aerial effects from one ignition point, offering multiple bursts in rapid succession.

Parachute

A type of aerial firework designed to spin rapidly and lift off the ground, mimicking the motion of a small aircraft. It typically features propeller-like wings or fins that generate lift when ignited, causing it to rise and sometimes emit sparks or sound effects during flight.

Rocket

A type of firework mounted on a stick with a cylindrical motor that propels it into the air using thrust. Once airborne, it produces a visual or sound effect upon bursting. The stick helps stabilize its flight path during launch.

Roman Candles

A long, cylindrical firework tube that ejects one or more colorful stars or exploding shells at timed intervals. It is typically held in the ground or secured upright and fires effects sequentially from the top

Reloadable

A type of firework that comes with a launch tube and multiple individual shells. Each shell is loaded into the tube one at a time and fired separately. It typically includes aerial effects like bursts or breaks.

Smoke

A firework effect that produces a dense, colored or white cloud when ignited. It is created by the combustion of a pyrotechnic composition that generates visible particulate matter.

Sparkler

A hand-held firework that burns slowly while emitting bright, consistent sparks. It typically consists of a metal or bamboo stick coated with a mixture of oxidizers, fuel, and metallic powder.

Spinner

A type of firework that rapidly spins on the ground or in the air when ignited. It typically consists of a small cylindrical or disc-shaped body with angled nozzles that release gas or sparks, causing it to rotate.

Wheel

A device to be attached to a pole or tree with a nail that propels itself via small jets in a circular motion. It varies in colours and loudness.

CHEMISTRY BEHIND FIREWORKS

Fireworks are powered by chemistry — different metal salts and compounds create the brilliant colors, sparks, and effects we see in the sky. Understanding this science adds a new level of appreciation to every display

Fireworks Elements Table

Name	Symbol	Fireworks Usage
Aluminum	Al	Aluminum adds brilliance to the show — it's the key ingredient behind those dazzling silver and white sparks, and a star component in classic sparklers.
Barium	Ba	Barium is the magic behind those deep green bursts in fireworks. It also helps stabilize more reactive mixtures in a firework composition.
Carbon	C	Carbon powers the explosion — it fuels the fire and plays a key role in black powder, helping fireworks burn brighter and longer.
Calcium	Ca	Calcium helps deepen the intensity of colors in fireworks, most notably adding a warm, rich orange glow to the display.
Chlorine	Cl	Chlorine bonds with metals in fireworks to produce richer, more vibrant colors — especially helping to intensify greens and blues.
Copper	Cu	Copper is responsible for stunning blue fireworks, though it's tricky to work with — blue flames require precise temperatures to shine.
Iron	Fe	When iron burns, it gives off bright, glittering gold sparks — often seen trailing from fountains or in crackling effects.
Potassium	K	Potassium compounds help fireworks burn clean and bright by providing oxygen to fuel the explosion. It's also vital in pyrotechnic formulas for stability.
Lithium	Li	Lithium is used to create brilliant crimson and pink hues. It's a common choice in red flares and aerial bursts.
Magnesium	Mg	Magnesium is a key ingredient in bright white flash and flash effects, burning with intense heat and brilliance.
Sodium	Na	Sodium salts burn with a strong yellow glow — so intense, they can overpower other colors if not balanced carefully.
Phosphorus	P	Phosphorus can create glowing effects or dense smoke, depending on how it's used. It's sometimes included in novelty fireworks or smoke bombs.
Sulphur	S	Sulfur plays a key role in black powder, helping fireworks ignite easily and burn at just the right speed.
Antimony	Sb	Antimony is behind those sparking, glittery trails in fireworks. It burns with a bright white glow that creates magical effects in the sky.
Strontium	Sr	Strontium is used to achieve vivid reds and also helps stabilize volatile mixtures, making it both colorful and reliable.
Titanium	Ti	Titanium burns with an intense silver-white spark and adds dramatic noise effects — perfect for bold, booming finales.
Zinc	Zn	Zinc is commonly used in smoke bombs and daytime fireworks, producing thick, white smoke for visual contrast during daylight shows.

HISTORY OF FIREWORKS

Discover how fireworks began and evolved over the centuries by watching the video below. From their origins in ancient China to the spectacular displays we enjoy today, this history brings a deeper appreciation to every celebration.