Why do you use a courier service?

The pyrotechnics we sell are designated as Explosives by the UK HSE Explosives Inspectorate. You can collect your order in person or we can send you the products by a courier registered to carry explosives. These are the only ways to get the products to you legally.

Can I hold a Wire Pull Smoke?

Smoke is generated using a pyrotechnic composition which burns slowly producing the coloured smoke you see. Therefore the cartridge does heat up but can be held in the hand during functioning. After operating the device will continue to heat up and at this point may become too hot to handle. The smoke is hot within the first 6 inches / 15cm of the smoke output and may cause burns.

Why did my Wire Pull Smoke fail to ignite?

History has shown that in general the reason for a Smoke Grenade not working is user error.

The biggest mistake people make when using Wire Pull Smokes is in the heat of the moment they pull the wire upwards instead of SIDEWAYS.

Do smoke grenades produce flames?

Sparks and flame may on occasions be emitted from the device, always point the device away from you when igniting to be on the safe side

Does the smoke stain?

The simple answer is yes. However the further away you are from the source of smoke, the less likely the smoke will stain. In general if you are wearing a wedding dress or white tux and you are within 1 metre of a smoke grenade, then don’t be surprised if you end up tagged!

Can I use Smokes Grenades Indoors?

This is like asking “can I light a bonfire indoors and breathe the smoke?” The answer is NO! Although our smoke products produce non-toxic smoke, breathing in any smoke in concentration isn’t great, therefore we do not advise the use of any of our smoke products indoors.

How long can I hold pyrotechnics for before throwing?

Once ignited, you should immediately throw our devices in the intended direction, DO NOT hold on to them to see how long it burns for! The delay time (fuse burning time) is a safety feature to ensure it is a) out of your hand then it goes off and b) so that your opponent has an opportunity to take a pace or two backwards before it goes off, your aim and throw may not be that accurate!

Can I send pyrotechnics through the post?

NO. There are very strict rules and regulations about how to move pyrotechnics from one place to another. It is illegal to send any pyrotechnic product / device through the post. Don’t be responsible for burning down your local post office.

Can I transport pyrotechnics in my car?

Yes. All pyrotechnics must be transported in the boxes they are sold in.

Can I take Pyrotechnics on Ferries and Planes?

No. There are very strict rules and regulations about how to transport pyrotechnics. If you need to transport pyrotechnics by Ferry, or by Plane then this MUST be done using a qualified Hazardous materials courier with all the appropriate paperwork prepared by yourself.

Will a Smoke Grenade Ignite dry stuff?

Yes. Whilst the tube of a smoke grenade remains cool enough to handle, the end(s) of the tube do become very hot due to the combustion process inside of the device and the hot smoke vapour being emitted. If it's been a tinder dry summer and the site you are on is in real need of a drink, your usage should be conservative or restricted to the dirt floor areas where there is no risk of fire. Equally, if you're a scarecrow made of straw then you may not want to use the smoke grenades yourself!

If everyone is using coloured smoke grenades and you see white smoke then chances are this is from a fire so get it dealt with.

Smoke grenades are constantly used in some of the driest fields in Spain and Portugal as they follow the above simple guidelines.

Will either of the Field Grenades set light to dry stuff?

Possibly; sparks are emitted from the delay fuse after striking and therefore avoid throwing these into piles of tinder dry straw or similarly combustible materials.

What is Cool Burn?

The term “cool burn” or “cold burning” usually refers to the fact that there is no external flame produced and that the temperature of the cartridge is lower than the military and marine distress smokes (which get very hot) thus reducing the risk of fire, however there is a possibility of fire with ANY smoke grenade and no smoke grenade should be used on or near easily flammable materials.

ALL smoke grenades that produce smoke from a wire/ring pull, friction fuse or similar ignition, produce smoke from a formula that burns without the need for atmospheric oxygen. Once ignited is very difficult to stop, until all composition within is burnt. Due to this, the grenade casing does get warm and the smoke within 6” of the grenade is hot.

Our smokes produce some sparks on ignition but no flame and so after the initial start-up of the grenade, our Wire Pull Smokes are considered “cool burn” or “cold burning” given the above definition. During the production of smoke, our products do produce heat but this is kept to a minimum and so our devices although they do get warm during functioning, they can be held in the hand. After functioning there the device will continue to heat up and may become too hot to handle.

Why do you suggest storing in the transport packs?

The pyrotechnics have gone through various tests in there transport packs and have been given a hazard rating based on the results. If the pyrotechnics are stored in any other container you may change the hazard rating and actually make the storage of these items more hazardous.

Why is there smoke coming from both ends of a Burst Smoke?

The Wire Pull Burst Smoke has been designed so that the same quantity of smoke is produced as with the Wire Pull Smoke by in about a third of the time. To do this we have designed it that smoke is issued from both ends of the device.

How do I know if a friction device has been ignited?

On striking the fuse against the striker on the cap a small “crack” / “snap” will be heard similar to striking a match and sparks will be emitted from the fuse.

Why do I have to wear safety equipment when using Thunderflash at 1m.

We recommend that without wearing Eye, face and ear protection, the safety distance is 5m due to the noise and cardboard fragments produced.

If you are wearing an approved goggle system or similar eye, face and ear protection (as you should be when playing Paintball or Airsoft), you have the additional protection that reduces the risks associated with a Thunderflash Mk5 when standing closer than 5m.

Do I need a permit or License to store Enola Gaye Pyrotechnics?

If you are storing less than 5 Kg N.E.C in total of pyrotechnics then you will not require a permit or license in the UK. Please read our downloadable sheet on storage.

What does N.E.C stand for?

N.E.C is an abbreviation for Net Explosive Content. This refers to the weight of pyrotechnic / explosive material within a device or a package and does not include any non-pyrotechnic materials e.g. paper tubes, packaging, plastic caps etc.

What does Hazard Type 4 mean?

Explosives and Pyrotechnics are divided into groups called Hazard Types which define what the hazard presented by the device is.

Hazard Type 1 = Mass explosion hazard, where the total quantity of explosive or device explodes as one instantaneously.

Hazard Type 2 = Projectile hazard.

Hazard Type 3 = Minor explosion or projectile hazard.

Hazard Type 4 = localised fire or slight explosion hazard with no projection hazard.

All Enola Gaye products are Hazard Type 4.

Can I store Enola Gaye pyrotechnics in my Garage or Shed?

Yes. But you will need to put some common sense basic fire precautions into place if the garage or shed is connected to a residential building. Please see our document on storage.

What is the noise level of your products?

Smoke Grenades produce little or no noise

The Thunderflash and Field Grenades produces 120 dB(A)I max measured at 5 metres

How do I dispose of product?

The best way of disposing of any product is to use it! If this is not possible then submerge the product(s) in a bucket of water to allow the water to enter the product. Leave soaking outside in a secure area for a minimum of 48 hours. Dispose of the water waste and the solid waste(s) separately and in accordance with local, regional or national regulations.

What is registration of use form and why do I have to fill one out.

It is illegal to sell pyrotechnics to anyone below the age of 18, therefore we ask you to fill out a registration of use form with a few details and ask you to send it back to us with a photographic proof identification. This way we know who we are selling our products to. We feel that this is a responsible way of doing business especially as we are dealing with Explosives!

Why do you say don’t carry your products in pockets

We always advise against carrying smoke grenades in your pockets as there is a risk that the product could ignite whilst in your pocket if this should happen, there is likelihood that you will get burnt. Plastic smoke grenade clips are available from Enola Gaye which mounts on the marker/gun barrel (or a small strip of tape to attach grenades to the gun). Otherwise a webbing pouch or similar carrying device that is easily removed from the body is advised to carry any of our products.

Is it ok to re-label and/or adapt your pyrotechnic products.

NO! Do not attempt to adapt Enola Gaye pyrotechnics in any way shape or form it is not only dangerous it is illegal.

Both of these acts will void any insurance or product guarantee that is given with our products. Therefore if you use or sell Enola Gaye pyrotechnics that have been relabelled or modified in any way you will not be covered.

What do I do if I have a complaint?

We do pride ourselves on producing high quality cost effective products. However, if you have a problem with any of our pyrotechnics then please get in touch with your supplier or with the office directly. We are keen to hear any problems people may have with our products. Depending on the issue we will probably ship the products back to the office for evaluation and then issue a credit note depending on the outcome.

I have a great pyro product idea, who can I talk to about it?

We are always keen to hear new ideas and ways of improving our products. If you have an improvement or a new idea then please get in touch with Dr John ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) who will be happy to discuss your idea. Dr John has racked up 20 years in the pyrotechnic industry designing and developing pyrotechnics for all types of use.

I have your products but don’t know how to use them, what do I do?

STOP! Read the appropriate safety data sheet found in the box or online; contact the site or retailer you purchased them from and get them to give you a demonstration of the correct usage.  These devices are pyrotechnic and whilst everything has been done to make these as safe as possible, they are still dangerous if not used properly. GET INFORMED.