Smoke bombs (also called smoke grenades, smoke flares, or coloured smoke) are one of the simplest and most effective ways to add instant colour to any event. No explosions, no loud bangs – just thick, vibrant clouds of smoke that transform photos, videos, and atmospheres instantly.
This guide covers what smoke bombs are, how they work, the colours available, safety, and creative uses in the UK.
What is a smoke bomb?
A smoke bomb (smoke grenade, smoke flare) is a pyrotechnic device that produces a dense cloud of coloured smoke when ignited. Unlike fireworks, they don’t explode, shoot into the air, or make loud noises. They sit on the ground (or can be handheld for wire-pull types) and emit a steady stream of coloured smoke for 30–120 seconds.
At Big Shotter Fireworks, they’re in the smoke grenades category.
How they work
A smoke bomb contains a smoke composition (oxidiser + fuel + organic dye) inside a cardboard or plastic tube. When ignited, the composition burns at a controlled rate, vaporising the dye which condenses into fine particles – the visible “smoke.” The reaction is cool (doesn’t produce flame) but the tube gets hot.
Colours available
| Colour | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Pink | Gender reveals (girl), weddings, breast cancer awareness |
| Blue | Gender reveals (boy), sports, photography |
| Red | Military, Halloween, photography |
| Green | St Patrick’s Day, military, photography |
| Yellow | Sports, photography, festivals |
| Purple | Gender reveals, Halloween, creative photography |
| Orange | Halloween, sports, photography |
| White | Weddings, photography, military screening |
| Black | Photography, film, dramatic silhouettes |
| Multi-colour | Colour runs, festivals, parties |
Types of smoke bombs
Wire-pull (most popular)
- Pull a wire ring to ignite – no lighter needed
- 30–90 seconds duration
- Can be handheld (with glove) or placed on ground
- Examples: BSF25, BSF40
Ring-pull
- Similar to wire-pull, pull a ring
- Often larger, longer duration
Fuse ignition
- Light a fuse with portfire
- Often larger, 60–180s duration
- Used for photography/film where hands-free needed
Creative uses in the UK
Gender reveals
Pink or blue smoke = instant reveal. The #1 use for smoke bombs. Gender reveal smoke.
Wedding photography
White, pink, purple smoke for dreamy couple portraits. Coordinate with wedding colours.
Sports events & colour runs
Team colours at matches, colour runs, obstacle races. Multi-colour packs.
Photography & film
Coloured smoke adds atmosphere, depth, colour to portraits, fashion, music videos, movies. Black smoke for dramatic silhouettes.
Halloween & events
Red, orange, purple, black for spooky atmosphere. Halloween fireworks category has smoke + fireworks combos.
Military / tactical training
Red, green, yellow, black for signalling, screening, simulation.
Safety & legal (UK)
- Legal for 18+ (Category P1/T1)
- Use outdoors only – never indoors
- Place on flat, non-flammable surface
- Stand upwind – smoke irritates eyes/lungs
- Don’t hold after ignition unless wire-pull type with glove
- Tube gets hot – don’t touch after
- Keep water bucket nearby
- Don’t use near roads/airports (visibility hazard)
- Check local bylaws for public spaces
Choosing the right smoke bomb
| Need | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Gender reveal | Pink/Blue wire-pull (BSF25/BSF40) |
| Wedding photos | White/Pink/Purple wire-pull |
| Sports/Colour run | Multi-colour pack |
| Photography | Any colour, consider duration |
| Halloween | Red/Orange/Purple/Black |
| Long duration (film) | Fuse-ignition large grenade |
Where to buy
Browse smoke grenades and gender reveal at Big Shotter Fireworks. Wire-pull, ring-pull, fuse ignition, 15+ colours, every product has a video. Free UK delivery over £290, click & collect from Bradford, year-round.
