Celebrate Territory Day the Safe Way

Every year on 1 July, Territorians celebrate the day the Northern Territory achieved self-government in 1978. As part of the celebrations, the public can legally buy, use and possess fireworks within approved periods. This year, the fireworks approved periods are:

Sale of fireworks – Monday 1 July, 9 am to 9 pm
Use of fireworks – Monday 1 July, 6 pm to 11 pm
Possession of fireworks – Monday 1 July, 9 am to Tuesday 2 July, 12 noon

Be prepared

Only buy fireworks from a licensed retailer.
Keep spectators at a safe distance, at least 10 metres from ignition site.
Clear the area of all dry materials such as grass and mulch.
Have a hose or a couple of buckets of water handy.
Wear cotton clothing around fireworks.
Keep your fireworks in a covered container or have a responsible person look after them.

Tips on how to use fireworks safely

Read and follow all safety labels and instructions.
Light only one firework at a time.
Stabilise fireworks to ensure they do not fall over when firing.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person or place any part of your body directly over a firework device.
Never pick up or relight a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes, pour water on it and dispose of it properly.
Never ignite aerial fireworks near or below trees, near a building opening or anything else that it may hit.
Wet down all fireworks debris after use.
Don’t drop the fireworks straight into a bin or leave them unattended.

Children and Pet Safety

Always have an adult present and never give fireworks to children under 12.
Light only one sparkler at a time and do not use a lit sparkler to light another one.
Hold sparklers well away from body and clothing.
Make sure your pets are secured safely before you ignite any fireworks.