Fireworks safety
Fireworks should be fun, but require knowledge, good routines, and respect for safety. Here we have gathered the most important advice from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), so that you can find everything you need to know in one place.
What you should know before you fire away
When and where can you use fireworks?
Fireworks may only be set off on New Year's Eve, between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM. The rest of the year it is not permitted, unless you have received special permission. Fireworks must not be used in densely populated areas, near dry forests, or other flammable environments. The municipality may set local restrictions or prohibition zones – feel free to check with your municipality.
Age limits
There is an 18-year age limit for the purchase and use of most types of fireworks. Sparklers can be used by children if an adult ensures they are used correctly and with safety glasses. It is prohibited to hand over fireworks to minors – as an adult, it is your responsibility to ensure that children and young people keep a safe distance.
How to use fireworks safely
- Use safety glasses – most stores give them away for free or sell them cheaply.
- Make sure the ground battery is stable, preferably packed with snow.
- Keep the fireworks dry.
- Read the instructions for use and keep the recommended safety distance, both for the person lighting it and for the audience.
- Light only one firework at a time, and never lean over it when lighting.
- Never light a fuse twice. If it doesn't light the first time: wait 30 minutes, soak in water, and return it to the retailer.
- Clean up after yourself – leftover fireworks can injure children who find them later.
- Fireworks and alcohol do not mix.
Shooting star
- For outdoor use only.
- Do not bundle multiple sparklers together – large flames can flare back toward your hand.
- Hold the sparkler straight, at a safe distance from others.
- Do not wave it in front of your own or anyone else's face.
- Wear safety glasses – a small spark can cause severe eye injury.
Storage
As a private individual, you can store up to 10 kg of pyrotechnic items at home during the Christmas holidays, and 5 kg the rest of the year, without a special permit.
Source: DSB (Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection).
Safety fountain - an extra peace of mind from Svea
The batteries from Svea have a built-in safety fountain: after the regular fuse has burned for a few seconds, a distinct red flame ignites before the actual effects are launched. This gives you and those around you a little extra time to get to a safe distance.
Never stand with body parts over the fireworks when lighting them, and always read the instructions on the package before use.
Purchase and use
We sell fireworks from our facility at Grødelandsvegen 367, 4343 Orre, during the period of December 27–31.
The sale and use of fireworks are regulated by the Regulations on Pyrotechnic Articles and the Regulations on the Handling of Explosive Substances, in addition to local regulations from your municipality – always check the applicable rules where you live before setting them off. If you experience personal injury or material damage in connection with fireworks, this can be reported to the DSB.
