Firefighters appeal to public to attend organised displays on Bonfire Night as Brigade sees record high calls.

People are being asked to take extra care this Bonfire Night over firefighter concerns that home fireworks displays could cause a spate of fires.

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

During last year’s bonfire period (1-6 November 2021), Control Officers took around 2,170 emergency calls. More than 20 per cent of these occurred on Bonfire Night alone, which was the highest number of calls the Brigade has seen on 5 November 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 Brigade has been preparing for one of their busiest nights of the year by hosting several community events targeted towards promoting firework safety, but last year’s spike in calls has now prompted them to go one step further and appeal to the public to think twice before holding fireworks displays at home. Organised displays are much safer and controlled, reducing the risk of people being injured at home or causing fires which spread out of control. Those who are unable to find a professional display near them are being asked to familiarise themselves with the Brigade’s advice and celebrate safely.