WIREDGOV

Hospitals are bracing for an increase in patients with firework-related burns and injuries next week, after admissions jumped 42% last November, with some children suffering life-changing injuries. 

There were 85 firework-related hospital admissions in England in November 2025, up from 60 in November the year before. Across the whole of 2025, admissions reached 161, compared with 120 the previous year – a rise of 34%. 

The NHS is urging people to come forward for care immediately if they are injured by a firework. The NHS website has advice on burns, first aid and where to seek help if someone is injured. 

Children are among those that suffer the most devastating injuries. 

One children’s nurse from the Children’s Burns Unit at Nottingham warned that they have treated children for “life-changing injuries” due to fireworks and sparklers being used inappropriately at home. 

The new data comes as hospitals head into winter under mounting pressure, after England recorded its busiest-ever September for A&E attendances and ambulance incidents. 

Professor Frankie Swords, NHS medical director, recently said:

“Bonfire Night is a great opportunity to be with friends and family, but this data is a timely reminder of the danger fireworks can pose – and it’s children that often end up paying a devastating price. 

“Some have suffered life-changing injuries, turning what should be a night of fun into a nightmare. 

“So it’s vital you keep a close eye on children and loved ones to help prevent accidents like this, and know the NHS is available 24/7 if you need us. 

“Call 999 in an emergency, and the NHS website also offers information on the prevention and treatment of burns, as well as first aid measures, for anyone who needs it.”   

Anna Baker, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Children’s Burns and Plastics, explained that this increase in numbers is concerning and that many of the children will need to receive additional treatment in the coming years for their injuries.   

She recently said:

“These children are having life-changing injuries, often from fireworks which have been purchased for use in their homes as we have seen a reduction in organised displays that the public can attend.   

“Always stand well away from fireworks and dispose of sparklers in cold water buckets. Sparklers can get up to 4,000 degrees when lit and it is where we see the most common cause of injuries during fireworks seasons.”   

A Hartlepool family is urging people to follow firework safety advice this Bonfire Night, after a firework accident left their son with life-changing injuries. 

17-year-old Aleks Stasiukiewicz from Hartlepool lost his left eye in a tragic firework-related accident in November 2024. 

Now, Aleks and his mum have joined forces with University Hospitals Tees to raise awareness of firework safety and to thank the NHS teams who helped him recover. 

Aleks was rushed to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where consultants confirmed he had lost his left eye and part of his eyelid. 

In addition, he had also suffered minor burns to his arm and leg and broken his front tooth. 

Specialist oncoplastic surgeons removed fragments of firework residue from his eye socket and inserted a ball-shaped prosthesis to replicate the movement of a real eye. 

Julie added:

“The hospital was incredible and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done to give Aleks some normality, in what can only be described as a tragic incident. 

“Aleks underwent surgery the next day and now, thanks to the team’s expertise, he still has movement within his eye socket. 

“He has lost a lot and there will be things he can’t do but we feel lucky. It could have been so much worse.” 

Aleks recently said:

“When people say don’t play with fireworks, listen.” 

NHS burns advice says severe burns and scalds that are large or deep may need treatment in hospital.   

RoSPA provides advice on its website on how to stay safe around sparklers, bonfires and fireworks.