Warning Over Illegal Fireworks
We're being warned this bonfire night not to mess around with fireworks - by the family of a Washington teen who nearly lost his hand.
16 year old Dylan Cosgrove bought 10 illegal fireworks from a friend for just ÂŁ1 last year.
He lit one of the bangers in his bedroom for a laugh, thinking it could be put out just like a candle.
Dylan lost the tip of one finger and broke another in 16 places, but his mum Sam tells us it could have been much worse.
“He could have died. He could have killed himself with it. He was trying to spit on it to put it out and he said the thought crossed his mind to put it in his mouth to wet it to put it out… it could have been absolutely devastating if it went off in his mouth.”
“The actual fire brigade told us that the fuses on these particular bangers are around about 10 seconds. They are the legal ones… the fuses on the illegal ones are reduced down to four seconds. So he’s had four seconds to just push his girlfriend across the room and hold it in his hand.”
“Over the year he’s had continuous physiotherapy, skin grafts, bone nibbles, pins in… everything! The burns unit at the RVI took care of him and monitored him and they’ve done a fantastic job.”
Keep safe this year by following the tips below: • Attend an organised display rather than having your own bonfire • Report illegal bonfires that are being built to your local council • Call 999 to report any illegal bonfires that have been lit • Remember: alcohol and fireworks don’t mix • Always supervise children around fireworks • Never give sparklers to children under five • Keep pets indoors • Bring your wheelie bin in as soon as it is emptied - it is a target for arson if you don’t To find an organised Bonfire and firework display near you and for further advice on how to enjoy a safe Bonfire Night visit www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfire, www.facebook.com/bonfires or www.twitter.com/TWFRSbonfire