Fireworks Education Center
Learn how to plan safer backyard shows, compare product types, read labels, and build better displays with practical guides from Creswood Corners.
⚠️ Safety First
Always follow local laws and regulations. Never modify fireworks. Always have water nearby.
Beginner Guides
Your First Backyard Show
A simple first-show plan for buying, staging, pacing, and cleaning up safely.
Fireworks 101
Learn the product categories and effect terms that make shopping easier.
How to Read Fireworks Labels
Understand shot counts, warnings, effect language, and performance clues.
Party Size Guide
Plan budgets, show duration, and product mix by audience size.
Product Education
Cakes vs Multi-Shots
Compare repeaters by size, pacing, direction, and show role.
Fountain Guide
Use fountains for openings, pacing breaks, lower-noise moments, and family sections.
Fusing and Show Setup
Fuse Colors & Timing
Learn about different fuse types, burn rates, and color coding.
Fusing Cakes
Step-by-step guide to connecting 200g and 500g cakes.
Fusing Artillery Shells
Safely connect artillery shells for rapid-fire effects.
Setting Up a Show
Complete guide to planning and executing a fireworks display.
Essential Tools
- Quality visco fuse (green, red, or yellow)
- Sharp scissors or fuse cutters
- Masking tape or aluminum tape
- Lighter or propane torch
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Fire extinguisher or water bucket
Basic Fusing Technique
- Identify the fuse points: Locate the main fuse on each firework. Most cakes have a green visco fuse protruding from the side or top.
- Measure and cut: Cut your connecting fuse to the appropriate length. Allow extra length for positioning and timing adjustments.
- Secure the connection: Use tape to firmly attach the connecting fuse to each firework's main fuse. Ensure good contact for reliable ignition.
- Test the layout: Arrange your fused items and verify spacing before the show. Keep minimum safe distances between items.
Timing Your Display
Understanding fuse burn rates is crucial for timing. Traditional color coding suggests:
- Green visco: Burns at approximately 30 seconds per foot
- Yellow visco: Burns at approximately 20 seconds per foot
- Pink/Red visco: Burns at approximately 10 seconds per foot
Important: Always Test Your Fuse
While these colors and speeds are traditional, you cannot rely on color alone. Recently, many fuses are available in various colors that don't follow the traditional speed conventions. The fuse packaging may state the burn rate, but the color may not be what you expect.
The best practice is to always cut 1 foot of fuse and time it when you burn it before using it in your show.