Firefighters are reminding the public to use fireworks safely following a spate of firework-related calls, incidents and rescues on New Year's Eve.
The Brigade handled around 28 firework-related calls and incidents as Londoners rang in the New Year. Control Officers and firefighters responded to:
- Calls to fires involving fireworks in Eltham, Bow, Romford and Walthamstow
- Calls to boxes of fireworks alight in Harrow, Kenton, Sutton, West Ealing, Barnet, Stratford, Wood Green, Dagenham, West Drayton
- Calls to rubbish alight in Barnet, Lewisham, Feltham and Walthamstow
Three fire engines and around 20 firefighters also tackled a fire at a shop with dwellings above on Myddelton Road in Southgate.
A first floor balcony at the rear of the property was destroyed by the fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived. Two people were rescued from the first floor by firefighters using a short extension ladder. Another man was led to safety using a fire escape hood. All four people were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service.
Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and was caused by a stray firework.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Following a spate of firework-related calls and incidents around New Year’s Eve, we want to remind Londoners that fireworks are explosives which should be handled with extreme caution. Our advice is not to host your own fireworks display and instead to find a safer, organised display nearby.
“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 according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
Control Officers took the first of four calls at 0008 (01/01) and mobilised three fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Southgate, Hornsey and Tottenham fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 0137.