London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over the dangers of misusing fireworks as incidents rise across the capital, including cases in Northolt. In the last month, firefighters have responded to about two firework-related incidents per week. These incidents include misuse of fireworks in Northolt, alongside reports from other areas including Battersea, Stockwell, and Notting Hill.
Harrow Online recently posted videos on social media platforms showing similar instances of firework misuse in Harrow, highlighting the issue in the local area.
The Brigade’s warning comes as a fire broke out last week at a secondary school in Enfield, believed to be caused by young people misusing fireworks. No injuries were reported, but the incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “An investigation was launched recently following a fire at a school in Enfield on 23 October. This fire appears to have been deliberately started by a group of young people aiming fireworks at the building and our enquiries around this are ongoing.
“We are continuing to work with London Fire Brigade, local schools and partners including councils to highlight the dangers of fireworks across this period.
“Officers will continue to be on patrol across Halloween and Fireworks night to respond to reports of anti-social behaviour.”
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, stated: “It’s really concerning for us to see so many firework-related incidents caused by people deliberately misusing fireworks in the past few weeks.
“As we enter the time of year when fireworks are more readily available and used for celebrations, we’re urging the public to think twice before purchasing fireworks and to consider attending an organised display instead. Parents should also talk to their children about the dangers of playing with fireworks.
“Our priority is to keep Londoners safe, but when people are misusing fireworks, it takes away resources from other emergencies across the capital.
“Fireworks are explosives and as such, should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Fireworks Code. If you misuse fireworks, you risk seriously injuring yourself, or your loved ones.
“If you’re a registered seller with a special license to sell fireworks, it’s illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18. You can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally.
“If you choose to use fireworks privately, you must only buy safe fireworks with a CE mark and never throw them or direct them towards other people, animals or properties.”
New data from the Brigade shows that Tower Hamlets has been London’s busiest borough during fireworks season, with high call volumes around Bonfire Night, Diwali, and Halloween. Other boroughs such as Ealing, Hillingdon, Enfield, and Hounslow also reported numerous incidents.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
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