Fresh warning from Fire Service about selling fireworks over Bonfire period

Thinking of selling fireworks to make a few pounds over the bonfire period? Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is issuing a fresh warning before Bonfire Night.

The Service has released a new video showing the safe destruction of fireworks following a large seizure. Fire Safety Inspectors found they were being stored in an unsafe manner, placing members of the public at significant risk.

The owner did not have an explosives licence to store the quality or type of fireworks that were found at their property. TWFRS seized these fireworks from the owner who was also successfully prosecuted and the fireworks ordered for destruction by the court.

Ian Bell Head of Fire Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Only buy fireworks from reputable retailers who are correctly licenced by the fire service to store and sell fireworks, these premises and sellers are regularly checked by the fire service and trading standards.

“If you see fireworks advertised for sale on social media, they will be from non-registered traders and can also be very dangerous as you have no idea what you’re getting and can’t guarantee the quality and safety of the products and may put yourself at risk of serious injury, potentially, life-changing or limiting.”

With few organised displays in the region to attend due to Covid-19 restrictions TWFRS would like to remind those thinking of having their own firework display, to please remember to follow the Firework Code, only use fireworks which carry the CE mark and remember they are explosives.

Please respect your neighbours, respect the emergency services and respect fireworks and stay safe.