Londoners have been asked to take extra care this Bonfire Night over firefighter concerns about home fireworks displays.

Emergency calls to the Brigade's 999 Control Room in November reached a five-year high in 2021. During the bonfire period (November 1-6), control officers took around 2,170 calls.

Concerns that firefighters could see a bumper bonfire weekend due to DIY displays were heightened after crews were called to a fire on St Crispin's Close in Southall caused by a firework. Around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze which destroyed a garage, damaged cars and resulted in a man being treated for injuries.

A garage fire in Southall was caused by a firework

The Brigade has been preparing for one of their busiest nights of the year by hosting several community events targeted towards promoting firework safety.

Last year's spike in calls has prompted them to go one step further and appeal to the public to think twice before holding fireworks displays at home. Organised displays are much safer and controlled, reducing the risk of people being injured at home or causing fires which spread out of control. Those who are unable to find a professional display near them are being asked to familiarise themselves with the Brigade's advice and celebrate safely.

Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: "The period around Bonfire Night has traditionally been very busy for our firefighters and Control Officers, but last year calls to our Control Room reached a five-year high, which is really concerning to see. We are ready, willing and able to respond to incidents so please don't hesitate to call us in an emergency, but we are asking Londoners to help by considering alternative ways to celebrate safely.

"Our advice has always been that it's safer to attend professional displays rather than using fireworks at home. Often going to an organised display can be cheaper than buying fireworks to use yourself and there are still lots of displays taking place across the capital.

"However, we know with some local events cancelled this year, there will be people considering putting on DIY displays. If you are holding your own it's important to ensure you are buying safe fireworks. Only buy fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller and make sure they have a CE safety mark. If you're drinking alcohol, don't set off fireworks and never return to a firework once it's been lit. Finally, always keep children safe and supervised – sparklers in particular can quickly cause serious burns even if they appear to be extinguished."

Fireworks Safety Advice

Avoid building bonfires

The Brigade has urged Londoners to avoid building bonfires in gardens and to check their local authority's guidance on bonfires. Those who choose to build a bonfire despite the warning are advised to build them far away from buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges and never leave them unattended.

Tips for those who can't attend an official display:

• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• Never return to a firework once it's been lit
• Under no circumstances set off fireworks on a balcony
• If you're having your own fireworks display, plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm