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Firecrackers during Sant Joan in Barcelona: damage, injuries, fires and legal responsibility

22 Junio 2026

Fireworks on Sant Joan: damage, fires, injuries and legal liability for pyrotechnics

Lawyer for firework damage, fires or injuries during Sant Joan | Barcelona

Have you suffered damage caused by fireworks, a fire triggered by pyrotechnics or personal injuries during Sant Joan? At ASO Corporate, we provide legal advice for compensation claims, defence against third-party claims, criminal investigations for negligence and private prosecution in Barcelona and the surrounding province.

Are you going to buy fireworks for Sant Joan? Read this first

Sant Joan is one of the most anticipated nights of the year in Catalonia. Fireworks, firecrackers, sparklers, street parties, family dinners, celebrations with friends and open-air festivities are part of a deeply rooted tradition. However, it is also one of the nights when many incidents occur: burns, injuries, fires, property damage, neighbourhood disputes and legal problems caused by the careless use of pyrotechnics.

That is why we have prepared this video.

The message is clear: fireworks may look like a game, but if they are used irresponsibly, they can lead to serious legal consequences.

A badly thrown firecracker, a sparkler lit too close to a balcony, a rocket hitting a façade, a spark that starts a fire, a minor using fireworks without supervision or a firecracker thrown near a person or an animal can end in a civil claim, a criminal complaint or an investigation for negligence.

Sant Joan is a night to celebrate, but it is not a night where anything goes.

Firework damage: can you claim compensation?

Yes. If a person causes damage to another person through the negligent use of fireworks, firecrackers, rockets, sparklers or other pyrotechnic devices, there may be a legal obligation to repair the damage caused.

This may happen, for example, when a firework causes:

Damage to a parked car.

Broken glass, windows, blinds or doors.

Damage to a façade, terrace, balcony, awning or garden.

A fire in a home, business premises, storage room, garage or community property.

Burns or injuries to a person.

Eye injuries caused by sparks or impact.

Injuries or damage to a pet.

Damage to street furniture or public property.

Fires in gardens, empty plots, parks or areas close to vegetation.

In these cases, the injured party may need a lawyer to claim compensation for damage caused by fireworks, especially when the insurance company rejects the claim, when the responsible person has not been properly identified, when there are personal injuries or when the damage is significant.

The key is to act quickly and document very clearly what happened.

Lawyer for claiming damage caused by a firework-related fire

One of the most serious situations is a fire caused by pyrotechnics.

This may involve a fire in a home, commercial premises, terrace, vehicle, garage, community building, agricultural area, private garden or space close to vegetation. In these cases, a claim should not be limited to simply asking for a repair estimate. It is essential to build strong evidence from the very beginning.

To claim compensation for damage caused by a fire started by fireworks or pyrotechnics, it is advisable to collect:

Fire brigade, local police, Mossos d’Esquadra or Guardia Urbana reports.

Photographs and videos of the fire and the damage.

Witnesses who saw the firecracker, rocket or sparkler being used.

Repair estimates or invoices.

An expert report if the damage is significant.

Communications with insurance companies.

Medical reports if there are also injuries.

Proof of ownership of the damaged property, such as the vehicle, home, business premises or community element.

The key is to prove three elements: what happened, who caused it and what specific damage was suffered.

When there is a fire, it is also important to assess whether there is insurance coverage, whether the community insurance may apply, whether home insurance, car insurance or the responsible person’s civil liability insurance may be involved.

Damage caused to a third party by a badly thrown firework

The opposite situation may also occur: a person may be accused of causing damage to a third party by throwing or using a firecracker incorrectly.

In that case, it is important not to automatically accept full responsibility without first analysing the facts. There may be doubts about who actually threw the firework, whether that particular firework caused the damage, whether the damage has been properly valued or whether there was really a negligent act.

In these cases, legal defence may be necessary against a claim for:

Damage to vehicles.

Damage to homes or commercial premises.

Damage to homeowners’ associations or shared property.

Damage to street furniture.

Fires.

Burns, impact injuries or injuries caused by sparks.

Claims made by insurance companies that have already compensated the injured party and are now claiming against the alleged person responsible.

A proper defence must review whether there is sufficient evidence, whether the damage has been properly proven, whether there is a police, fire brigade or expert report, whether the amount claimed corresponds to real and proven damage and whether the causal link between the firework and the result can be challenged.

Not every incident that occurs during Sant Joan is the responsibility of the person accused. Each case must be analysed carefully.

Criminal defence for being investigated for negligent use of fireworks

The negligent use of fireworks may have criminal consequences when the result is particularly serious.

Not every firework accident is a criminal offence. Many conflicts are resolved through civil claims, administrative proceedings or insurance claims. However, if there are relevant injuries, a serious fire, a major risk to other people, significant damage or damage to public property, a criminal investigation may be opened.

Common searches and questions in these situations include:

“I have been reported for throwing a firecracker”.

“I am under investigation for negligent injuries caused by a firework”.

“I need a criminal lawyer for a fire caused by pyrotechnics”.

“I am being claimed against for damage caused by a badly thrown firecracker”.

“My child has been identified as responsible for a firework accident”.

In these proceedings, it is important to act from the very beginning. The first statement, the identification of witnesses, technical evidence, fire brigade or police reports and the medical assessment of injuries can be decisive.

It is also necessary to analyse whether there was real negligence, whether the result was foreseeable, whether municipal or safety rules were breached, whether the firework was suitable for the age of the person using it and whether there is a direct link between the action and the damage caused.

Private prosecution for injuries caused by fireworks

If a person has suffered injuries due to the negligent use of fireworks, it may be necessary to consider acting as a private prosecutor.

This can be particularly important when there are:

Burns.

Eye injuries.

Hearing loss.

Scars.

Psychological harm resulting from the accident.

Need for medical or surgical treatment.

Days off work.

Permanent consequences.

Aesthetic damage.

Medical, pharmaceutical or rehabilitation expenses.

Moral damage or significant impact on the victim’s daily life.

Private prosecution allows the victim to take an active role in the criminal proceedings, request investigative measures, submit medical reports, propose evidence, claim the appropriate compensation and defend their interests throughout the process.

In firework-related accidents, it is not enough to prove that an injury exists. It is also necessary to prove how it occurred, who acted negligently, what specific conduct caused the damage and the real extent of the injuries.

Property damage caused by fireworks: cars, homes, terraces and communities

A significant part of the problems arising from Sant Joan are not personal injuries, but property damage.

Common cases include:

Firecrackers damaging parked cars.

Rockets hitting balconies or windows.

Awnings burned by sparks or sparklers.

Damage to private or shared terraces.

Container fires affecting nearby vehicles.

Damage to doors, blinds, windows or façades.

Disputes between neighbours over fireworks thrown from balconies, windows or shared areas.

Damage to gardens, plants, outdoor furniture or decorative elements.

In these cases, evidence is essential. The sooner the damage is documented, the easier it will be to make a claim. It is not advisable to repair anything without first taking photographs, keeping invoices, obtaining repair estimates and assessing whether it is necessary to notify the police, fire brigade, homeowners’ association or insurance company.

It is also important to check whether there are security cameras, witnesses or previous communications with neighbours, as these may help identify the person responsible.

Municipal rules, local orders and restrictions

One of the most common mistakes is to think that during Sant Joan fireworks can be used anywhere and at any time.

That is not the case.

The applicable rules may depend on several levels:

State regulations on pyrotechnic articles, categories, sale and minimum ages.

Regional regulations on safety, emergencies, fire prevention and protection of forest areas.

Municipal rules and local orders issued by the town council, which may set days, times, permitted areas and prohibited areas.

Noise and public order ordinances.

Internal rules of homeowners’ associations, especially regarding terraces, courtyards, gardens and shared areas.

For this reason, before buying or using fireworks, it is advisable to check the municipal order or local rules of your town council. What may be allowed in one municipality may be prohibited or restricted in the neighbouring one.

This difference is particularly important in areas close to forests, parks, empty plots, residential developments, gardens, beaches, protected areas or places with a high fire risk.

Sensitivity towards animals and especially vulnerable people

Sant Joan also has a significant impact on pets and people who are especially sensitive to noise.

Many dogs, cats and other animals experience fear, anxiety, shaking, escape attempts, destructive behaviour or severe stress as a result of firecrackers and unexpected loud noises.

Older people, babies, young children, people on the autism spectrum, people with hearing hypersensitivity, people with anxiety and people who have suffered traumatic experiences related to loud noises may also be affected.

This awareness does not mean eliminating the celebration, but it does require responsibility.

Celebrating Sant Joan should not mean putting other people at risk, frightening animals, causing damage or turning a festive night into a legal problem.

What should I do if I have suffered damage caused by fireworks during Sant Joan?

If you have suffered damage caused by a firecracker, rocket, sparkler or any other pyrotechnic device, we recommend that you:

Photograph and record all damage.

Identify the person responsible if possible.

Obtain witness details.

Call the police or fire brigade if the damage is significant.

Seek medical attention if there are injuries, even if they initially seem minor.

Keep invoices, estimates and receipts.

Report the incident to your insurance company.

Do not accept verbal agreements without first assessing the real extent of the damage.

Consult a lawyer if there are injuries, a fire, significant damage or if the insurance company refuses coverage.

It is also advisable to keep WhatsApp conversations, emails, communications with the homeowners’ association, insurance reports and any document that may help prove what happened.

What if someone claims against me for a firework?

If someone is claiming against you for damage caused by a firework, or if you have been reported for an accident involving pyrotechnics, it is not advisable to improvise.

Before accepting liability or paying any amount, it is necessary to review:

Whether you really were the person who threw the firecracker.

Whether the damage was caused by that specific firecracker.

Whether there are reliable witnesses.

Whether there is a police, fire brigade or expert report.

Whether the amount claimed is justified.

Whether an insurance company is involved.

Whether the facts may have criminal relevance.

Whether minors are involved.

Whether the injured party has properly proven the damage.

Whether there may be exclusive or shared fault by other people.

A poorly managed claim may end up being more expensive than necessary or may lead to avoidable criminal proceedings.

Lawyer for firework damage in Barcelona and the surrounding province

At ASO Corporate, we advise on claims and defence strategies related to damage, fires, injuries and accidents caused by fireworks or pyrotechnics.

We can help you if you need to:

Claim compensation for damage caused by fireworks.

Claim damage caused by a fire triggered by pyrotechnics.

Defend yourself if you are being claimed against for a badly thrown firecracker.

Obtain criminal defence if you are under investigation for injuries, damage or negligent fire.

Act as private prosecution if you have suffered injuries caused by fireworks.

Claim against insurance companies.

Assess expert, medical, police or fire brigade reports.

Advise homeowners’ associations affected by damage caused by pyrotechnics.

We provide services in Barcelona and in the main towns of the province, especially Barberà del Vallès, Sabadell, Terrassa, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Ripollet, Montcada i Reixac, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Rubí, Badalona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Cornellà, Sant Boi, Castelldefels, Gavà, El Prat de Llobregat, Mataró, Granollers, Mollet del Vallès, Manresa, Igualada, Vic, Vilafranca del Penedès and Vilanova i la Geltrú.

If you are looking for a lawyer to claim compensation for firework damage in Barcelona, a criminal lawyer for negligent use of pyrotechnics or urgent legal advice after a fire or injury during Sant Joan, we can assess your case.

Frequently asked questions about firework damage and pyrotechnics

Can I claim if a firecracker has damaged my car?

Yes, provided that the damage, its origin and, as far as possible, the person responsible can be proven. It is advisable to take photographs, notify the police if the damage is significant, inform your insurance company and obtain a repair estimate.

What happens if a minor causes damage with a firework?

Parents or legal guardians may be liable, especially if the minor was under their care and there was insufficient supervision. Each case must be assessed according to the minor’s age, the type of firework, the location, the supervision and the damage caused.

Can a firework accident lead to criminal proceedings?

Yes, especially if there are significant injuries, a fire, serious danger to other people or major damage. Not every accident is a criminal offence, but some may be investigated as negligence.

Can I claim if I have suffered injuries caused by a firework?

Yes. If you have suffered injuries due to the negligent use of fireworks, you may claim compensation for healing time, permanent consequences, medical expenses, aesthetic damage, sick leave and other proven losses.

What should I do if the insurance company rejects the claim?

The reason for the rejection, the policy, any exclusions and the available evidence must be reviewed. In many cases it may be necessary to submit an expert report, police report, photographs, witness statements or a formal claim against the insurance company.

Can I claim if I do not know who threw the firework?

It is more difficult, but not always impossible. It is necessary to assess whether there are witnesses, cameras, police reports, possible liability of homeowners’ associations, establishments, organisers or insurance companies. Each case must be studied individually.

Can a homeowners’ association claim for damage caused by fireworks?

Yes. If the damage affects shared elements, the homeowners’ association may consider a claim against the person responsible, their insurance company or any other party depending on the circumstances.

Is it important to act quickly after the damage?

Yes. In these cases, evidence can disappear very quickly. That is why it is important to take photographs, preserve remains, obtain witnesses, notify the police or fire brigade if necessary and report the incident to the insurance company as soon as possible.

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