One of the most frequently asked questions we get asked is can you set off fireworks in the rain?
We often get asked this question by display organisers and people having parties which they cannot rearrange. After all if you have advertised your event and have sold tickets for it, it can be a difficult call to make to cancel it. It’s the same if you are having a party which you have already invited your friends and family to. Waiting for a day when it is not raining is sometimes not an option.
If you’re asking the question, do fireworks work in the rain? The answer to your question is yes, fireworks do work in the rain. There are various ways which you can protect fireworks in the rain. One such way is by putting a plastic bag over the firework when it is being put in place on the ground. This is fine in most circumstances. However, we find that in cooler temperatures this will cause condensation to form on the inside of the bag and this will then drip down on to the fuse of the firework. Despite being covered over, this will mean the firework won’t work.
Instead, we have a tried and tested method which we recommend. Our method has been developed from our own frustrations of finding it is raining on days where we have planned to test our fireworks and have already notified local landowners. Rather than reschedule our testing days, we now utilise this method.
We find it is best to prepare your fireworks in advance rather than having to follow all of the below steps outside in the rain.
To use fireworks in the rain, follow these steps:
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Find where the fuse is on the firework, at night this can be difficult so to make it easy put a sticker underneath the fuse which will show in the dark
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Once you have located the fuse (often on the top of the firework), you will need to remove the tape or cover which is protecting the fuse
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Ensure the fuse is exposed
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You will now need to cover the firework in clingfilm, which will make it resistant to the rain and wet weather
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If it is raining constantly, you will need ensure that the firework is not outside on the ground for several hours in the heavy rain
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To prepare your firing site in advance you can use a stake in the ground to secure your firework to. Fairly close to your firing time, put the firework up against the stake and secure it using strong tape. This will stop it from falling over
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Light the firework through the clingfilm. To light our fireworks in the rain, we use portfire firelighters as these are designed to work in all weather conditions, they do not blow out in the wind and are unaffected by wet weather
To find out more about this method, see our video below.
Fireworks this method is ideal for:
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cake fireworks
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fountains
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wheels
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single ignition fireworks
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rockets
We find that this method works with most types of firework. The one firework we have found this does not work with is mini missile barrages, as these contain hundreds of little plastic missiles.
Another question we get asked is to do you need to remove the wrapping paper before you let fireworks off? The answer is usually no, however, this will differ from firework to firework. Be sure to read the instructions, as it will tell you if you need to remove this paper. At Jordans Fireworks, again we find this is only applicable to mini missile barrages, where you have to remove this wrapping and the plastic topping.
With most fireworks though, we find that they can fire through the paper wrapping and even through the cellophane.
Should you have any other questions, you may be able to find the answers in our FAQs section – https://www.jordansfireworks.co.uk/faq
If the answer to your question is not in our FAQs section, get in touch with us on 01926 421330 or at sales@jordansretail.co.uk, and we will be happy to help.
