London Fire Brigade warning ahead of Bonfire Night as 999 calls reach five year high

The London Fire Brigade have warned people to take extra care this Bonfire Night over firefighter concerns that home fireworks displays could cause a spate of fires.

This comes as emergency calls to the Brigade’s 999 Control Room in November last year reached a five-year high as many organised fireworks displays were cancelled.

During last year’s bonfire period, November 1 to 6, Control Officers took around 2,170 emergency calls.

Over 20% of these occurred on Bonfire Night alone, which was the highest number of calls the Brigade had seen on November 5 since 2016.

Concerns that firefighters could see a bumper bonfire weekend due to DIY displays were heightened after crews were called to a fire in Southall caused by a firework just last week.

Around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze which destroyed a garage, damaged cars and resulted in a man being treated for injuries.

The LFB is urging people to attend an organised fireworks display instead of creating their own at home.

Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “The period around Bonfire Night has traditionally been very busy for our firefighters and Control Officers, but last year calls to our Control Room reached a five-year high, which is really concerning to see.

“We are ready, willing and able to respond to incidents so please don’t hesitate to call us in an emergency, but we are asking Londoners to help by considering alternative ways to celebrate safely.

“Our advice has always been that it’s safer to attend professional displays rather than using fireworks at home.

“Often going to an organised display can be cheaper than buying fireworks to use yourself and there are still lots of displays taking place across the capital.

“However, we know with some local events cancelled this year, there will be people considering putting on DIY displays.

“If you are holding your own it’s important to ensure you are buying safe fireworks. Only buy fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller and make sure they have a CE safety mark.

“If you’re drinking alcohol, don’t set off fireworks and never return to a firework once it’s been lit. Finally, always keep children safe and supervised – sparklers in particular can quickly cause serious burns even if they appear to be extinguished.”

The Brigade is also urging Londoners to avoid building bonfires in gardens and to check their local authority’s guidance on bonfires