Multiple videos and images were sent to Harrow Online on Monday night (20 October) showing fireworks being misused in several parts of the borough.
Footage sent in by concerned residents showed incidents in Eastman Village, just off Harrow View, as well as Pinner Road, Greenhill Place in Harrow Town Centre and Sudbury Hill.
Videos, which have also been shared by London Fire Brigade, showed both adults and children setting off fireworks by hand and letting them off in the streets, some close to flats and one near an electric Superloop bus.
Harrow Online received several complaints from concerned residents about the misuse, which we shared through the Harrow Online Group on Facebook and across our social media channels.
The incidents come despite Harrow Council recently launching a dedicated hotline and enforcement team for residents to report dangerous firework use and noise nuisance as part of its ongoing crackdown.
Yesterday, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for London Fire Brigade, 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 Harrow Council Dangerous Firework Hotline number is – 020 4604 2775 (6pm to 10pm every night).
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.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
