The London Fire Brigade (LFB) and Newham Council have released safety advice after fireworks were set off on a pavement alongside a busy road in Newham. 

Footage shared on Facebook group Newham Crime Watch has shown a group of people setting off fireworks on High Street North, East Ham, as pedestrians and road users passed by. 

A joint statement from Cllrs Amar Virdee and Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Crime, and for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Protecting our residents, visitors, animals and wildlife is our biggest priority during annual periods of festivity involving fireworks.

"Throwing or setting off fireworks in the street or public place can cause significant damage to property, and inflict serious harm to people and animals. In the most serious cases, it can result in death.

“The local authority Trading Standards and Community Safety services, Metropolitan Police, Fire Brigade and other partners will be taking vigorous enforcement action to ensure that festivities are safe and enjoyable for all."

Newham Trading Standards firework safety advice:

  •   You must be over 18 to buy fireworks.

  • Only buy fireworks with the CE/UKCA mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time. 

  • Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.

  • Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.

  • Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.

  • Never set off fireworks near animals.

  • Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.

  • If you can’t attend an organised bonfire event make sure you build your bonfire clear of buildings, sheds, fences, hedges and check for any wildlife.

  • Make sure that the fire is out, and your surroundings are made safe before leaving.

For the majority of the year, it is illegal to set off fireworks (including sparklers) between 11pm and 7am. This curfew is extended to midnight for Guy Fawkes night.

Cllr Amar Virdee and Cllr Neil Wilson said: “Trading Standards are conducting a robust programme of underage firework test-purchasing and enforcement [...] to protect legitimate businesses, prevent the sale of age-restricted products, and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour (associated with fireworks) within the borough."

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade (LFB) issued the following advice: 

  • Under the Fireworks Regulations 2004 Act, it is illegal to throw or discharge a firework in a street or public place.

  • Fireworks can pose a serious fire risk, in addition to the dangers from exploding. 

  • Fireworks should only be used in public places by licensed professionals as part of an organised event.

  • Fireworks should take place in large, clear and well-mown areas that are free from obstructions and well away from any buildings, trees and hazards like overhead cables. 

Click here for further information on general firework safety.