Now we take a look at setting up fountains, mines, set pieces and sparklers (yes, even sparklers need care!).

Fountains are relatively safe compared to other fireworks because the only fall out is sparks and soot. The main concern is to ensure the fountain does not tip over.

Multi effect fountains which have a cylinder shape should be set up in the same way as cakes or candles.

Conic fountains are bottom heavy and very stable on flat ground. They do not need staking out on a flat surface, but on an uneven or lawned surface consider staking them.

Using a wooden board not only makes for a stable base, but protects the grass too!

Fountains give off a lot of sparks which can come down to ground level up to
several metres away (more in wind). Make sure other fireworks are not set up too near them.

Although fountains might seem tame compared to other fireworks, never use them at less than the required safety distance.

Mines are very powerful because their whole effect goes off at once. They need extra respect because of this. Situate bigger mortar mines towards the back of the display. Fountain start mines can go closer to the front so the crowd can see the pretty start - but not right at the front. Ensure all firers are aware of each mine's position.

Follow the same setting up instructions as for cakes and candles. Take extra care that the mine is secure. The stake should ideally go the spectator side of the mine. Waterproof in the same way as cakes and candles.

The most powerful firework in your arsenal. Respect it!

The labels on many mines recommend burying to two thirds of their length. If the mine is well over the safety distance (which it will be, situated towards the back of your display), burying becomes less of a necessity but of course, you must always stake them out if you do not bury them. If you do part-bury mines or other fireworks, put them in a bin liner first to protect from damp soil.

Wheels can be frustrating because on paper banging a nail in a post sounds easy - but get it wrong and you'll have to watch a dreaded "stuck wheel", one of the most unexciting of all firework experiences!

The first thing to check is the nail. Rusty or bent nails can cause problems. Make sure the nail is clean and rust free. Make sure the wheel is facing the correct way and the fuse is extended first (in case it's taped to the back). Be careful when banging the nail in to ensure it does not bend.

Don't leave too much nail sticking out, but don't restrict the wheel's movement. Check the spin by hand. Take your time banging the nail in - if you overdo it, it can be very hard to remove the nail with a claw hammer without damaging the firework itself. A drop of oil on the nail can help spin (just a small amount, don't get any on the wheel itself).

Waterproof wheels simply by placing a bag or bin liner over the wheel and securing this around the post with string, tape or an elastic band. Remove this when you are ready to fire.

A wheel mounted on a post and covered with a bag.

Wheels are best situated at the front of the firework area and mounted as high as safely possible. Even so, people near the back of the spectator area won't see a lot, so don't have too many wheel effects in your display (you can let off quiet but pretty cakes or candles at the same time if you like, so people at the back can still see something).

Bear in mind wheels, like fountains, eject a lot of sparks and you should not set up other fireworks too close immediately to the left and right of each wheel.

Even high-mounted wheels can create sparks to ground level.

There are too many varieties of set pieces to cover in detail, so here's some general tips:

	These items are more fragile than other fireworks, especially the "quick" fuse that links each section (eg. between the letters in fire writing). Handle with care. Transport them carefully and in their original boxes.
	Try and check the item well before the display, to ensure you can follow the instructions and know how to set it up. It can take longer than you think.
	Most set pieces require several posts, something you'll have to get in advance of the display.
	If you're mounting an item high up, make sure the posts are well dug in. Support the main posts with others near the base (gallows style) if you can.
	Exposed parts of set pieces can be vulnerable to sparks and fall out from other fireworks. Mount set pieces in plenty of space. Any weatherproofing (eg. bin bags) should be put on with care (use light bin bags, not heavy refuse sacks). Take care too when removing these, not to damage the set piece.
	Always double check which part of the fuse to light. It may be worth marking this with a bit of tape or ribbon, if it's not immediately obvious.
	Finally, please check the item is mounted the right way up and the right side to the audience.

If you're preceding a garden display with some sparklers, take a few minutes to get things ready:

	Ensure the sparklers will be used away from the main fireworks.
	If children are present ensure there will be adult supervision at all times. Never give sparklers to under-fives.
	Have a bucket of water handy for spent sparklers, which remain red hot after use.
	Use a portfire to light them - it's quicker and safer than a lighter (but don't hand the portfire out as an alternative to sparklers).
	Remember sparklers must be held in a gloved hand.
	Don't forget to have a first aid kit handy in case of burns.

We recommend waiting until the last sparkler has gone out before starting the display, so anyone holding one won't be distracted.

Sparklers are fun - but BE CAREFUL!

In the next section we finish our setting up guide with advice on site security and general tips. Click here.