Fireworks amnesty after man admits storing explosive under bed
17kg industrial firework discovered by Broughton man.
Night dreams almost ended in nightmares for one man when he discovered a 17kg industrial firework under his bed. The man, who lives in sheltered housing in Broughton and won the firework in a competition, contacted Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) after hearing about the Service’s firework amnesty.
The Brocade Crown with Blue Stars firework is classed as Category Four and can only be sold to professional display operators – it is so powerful it can only be detonated with an electric current. GMFRS disposed of the firework in the safest way possible by asking a professional to detonate it in a remote location.
Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: “It is astonishing to think that this man was going to sleep at night with 17kgs of explosives under his bed. “The consequences of a fire in his property while this firework was there are simply unthinkable for him, his neighbours and the firefighters, who would have put their lives on the line to rescue him.
“GMFRS operates a firework amnesty all year round and we will send a fire safety officer to collect any fireworks large or small.
“If you find any fireworks in your home or anywhere else, which need to be disposed of, don’t hesitate call 0800 555 815 and GMFRS will destroy them safely.” For more information about how to stay safe this Bonfire Night visit www.safe4autumn.com.