Ahead of Bonfire Night, the Brigade is urging Londoners not to purchase their own fireworks and instead attend organised displays.
The call follows a busy Halloween weekend that saw the Brigade handle 27 firework related calls and incidents, including:
- A report of fireworks misuse near a hospital in Hampstead
- A report of fireworks misuse on a bus in Hanwell
- Fireworks let off in the communal areas of flat buildings in Park Royal and Muswell Hill
- Reports of fireworks misuse in Isle of Dogs and Mill Hill
- A balcony fire in Tulse Hill
- A house fire in Ilford
- An outdoor fire in Hackney
- Rubbish alight in Lewisham
- Reports of trees, bushes and sheds alight in Ruislip, Erith and Dagenham
- Reports of fires in Golders Green, Orpington and Hornsey
Since the start of October, the Brigade has handled over 60 firework related calls and incidents.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “As we approach Bonfire Night, we want to remind Londoners that fireworks are explosives and should be treated with respect. When you misuse fireworks, it risks lives and takes resources away from other emergencies across the capital.
“Misusing fireworks is illegal and we are asking Londoners not to purchase fireworks for personal displays. Instead, attend an organised display which will be safer, cheaper and more spectacular.
“If you still decide to use fireworks, please think about those around you and never throw or direct fireworks at other people, animals or properties. Parents should also talk to their children about the dangers of playing with fireworks.
“Registered sellers with a special licence to sell fireworks must remember that it’s illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18. You can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally.
“You should only buy safe fireworks with a CE mark and use them in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure you familiarise yourself with the Fireworks Code.”
The Brigade have also published a map of fireworks displays which you can access through the London Fire Brigade website.
For more information on fireworks, bonfire and candle safety, visit London Fire Brigade’s website.
Fireworks code
- Only buy fireworks from licensed retailers.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary.
- Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
- Do not set fireworks off on balconies.
- Do not drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves. Keep a bucket of water close by.
- Never give sparklers to a child under five years old.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Always keep pets indoors.
- The firework curfew is midnight on Fireworks Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year.
- Be considerate, let your neighbours know you’ll be setting off fireworks
Additional fireworks safety advice
- Fireworks should take place in large, clear and well-mown areas that are free from obstructions and well away from any buildings, trees and hazards like overhead cables.
- Fireworks can pose a serious fire risk, in addition to the dangers from exploding.
- Fireworks can also cause damage to property and significant harm to people and animals.
- Fireworks should not be disposed of in bins. Instead, place them in a bucket of cold water and then follow manufacturer instructions.