London Fire Brigade release footage of Enfield school fire as urgent fireworks warning issued
The message is being issued ahead of fireworks season and bonfire night
Last updated 30th Oct 2024
London Fire Brigade have released footage following a school fire in Enfield, showing the damage that can be done by the misuse of fireworks.
They're issuing a warning as fireworks season and bonfire night approaches, following a spate of firework-related incidents across the Capital throughout October.
In the last four weeks, firefighters have attended around two firework-related incidents a week on average, including misuse of fireworks in Stockwell, Northolt, Penge, Notting Hill, Battersea and Blackheath.
Among the most notable incidents are last week's fire at a secondary school in Enfield, which is believed to have been caused by young people playing with fireworks..
No one was hurt, but to raise awareness, the footage has been released, hoping the public will learn from the previous incidents and act cautiously this fireworks season.
It's illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18, with penalties of an unlimited fine and imprisonment for up to 6 months for using fireworks illegally.
Tower Hamlets has been ranked as the busiest borough for the Brigade during the season, with 60% of the 685 calls since 2010 taking place on Bonfire Night alone.
The top five boroughs also include Ealing, Newham, Enfield and Hounslow.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, said: “It’s really concerning for us to see so many firework-related incidents caused by people deliberately misusing fireworks in the past few weeks.
“As we enter the time of year when fireworks are more readily available and used for celebrations, we’re urging the public to think twice before purchasing fireworks and to consider attending an organised display instead. Parents should also talk to their children about the dangers of playing with fireworks.
“Our priority is to keep Londoners safe, but when people are misusing fireworks, it takes away resources from other emergencies across the capital."