Firework Safety Reminder

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are asking members of the public to remain mindful of the dangers associated with fireworks this bonfire period. This comes a week after a serious incident occurred involving a firework.

On Wednesday 18th October, Ambulance, Police & Fire Services attended a significant incident in Blackburn involving a firework. Tragically this incident resulted in a 16yr schoolboy sustaining a serious hand injury; including burns and the partial loss of a finger.

The precise circumstances of the incident are currently being investigated; however it is clear that this young person will have to live with the consequences for the rest of his life. This has not only affected the individual but also his family, friends and his school community.

Unfortunately, sometimes it takes an incident such as this to highlight the dangers of messing around with potentially lethal explosive objects.

North West Ambulance Service, Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service want to appeal  to the minority of the Lancashire public who think that it is fun to ‘play’ with fireworks and to throw them at their mates, members of public, passing cars or houses. What seems like fun can turn into a life changing injury or even a fatality within milliseconds. With this in mind all services are keen to reiterate:

  • It is illegal to sell explosives (fireworks) without a licence.
  • It is illegal to sell explosives (fireworks) to anyone under the age of 18
  • It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy explosives (fireworks) or possess them in a public place.

Anyone who has information on the illegal sale or use of fireworks are urged to contact the Police by dialling  101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111