The Brigade is reminding Londoners about the dangers of fireworks after Control Officers took 32 firework-related calls over the weekend.
Incidents attended by the Brigade included:
- A house fire in Southall
- A fire at an industrial unit in Wembley
- A fire on a roundabout in Hayes
- Reports of fireworks misuse in Acton, Hampstead, Camberwell and Mayfair
- A fire in Islington
- Rubbish alight in Fulham
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Paul Askew said: “Following a busy weekend of fireworks-related calls and incidents, we’re urging Londoners to follow our advice by attending a safer, organised fireworks display this year.
“If you are going to host your own display, it’s important to ensure you are buying safe fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller with a CE safety mark. Secure them properly in the ground, and keep them far away from buildings, trees, animals and people.
“Always follow the Fireworks Code and remember there are strict laws around when you can purchase and use fireworks. Never set them off if you’ve been drinking alcohol and once a firework is lit, never go back to it.
“Disposing of fireworks safely is just as important as using them correctly. Allow fireworks to cool properly before throwing them away.
“As we approach Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night, we wish everyone a safe fireworks season.”
The Brigade’s busy weekend follows a warning from a father who tragically lost six family members in a fire caused by a firework on Diwali. Mr Aroen Kishen said: “Diwali 2023 started as a normal day with my family. In the afternoon we prayed at home together, then we went to the gurdwara in Southall and visited with some family nearby. We all had dinner together and put the children to bed ready for school the next day.
“Shortly after that, I saw the fire. I tried to go upstairs to help my family, but I lost consciousness. I don’t know what happened after that. When I woke up, the whole house was on fire.
“That night, I lost my wife Seema, our three children Riyan, Arohi, Shanaya, and two family friends, Nitin and Sandhaya. I wish they were still alive because what happened that night destroyed my life.
“I want the public to think about those around them before using fireworks. Fireworks aren’t a game and it’s not a movie; it’s real life. Listen to my story and celebrate with your family, at a party or at your place of worship. If you use fireworks, you could lose everything.”
House fire – Southall
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at an end of terrace house on Hammond Road in Southall.
A small part of the exterior of the property and the guttering, as well as a small part of the soffit and fascia of a neighbouring property were damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and was caused by a firework igniting combustible materials stored externally to the property.
Control Officers took the first of 12 calls at 2124 (17/10) and mobilised four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Southall, Hayes and Ealing fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 2210.
Fire at an industrial unit - Wembley
A second incident mobilised firefighters to a fire at an industrial unit on Woodside End in Wembley.
A small part of the first-floor roof was damaged by the fire. Two cars outside the property were destroyed by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to be accidental and was caused by a firework landing on the roof of the property.
Control Officers took the first of nine calls at 2254 (17/10) and mobilised four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Wembley, Park Royal and Acton fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 0008.