Every year, Guy Fawkes night is a contentious holiday.

It provides an evening of tradition and celebration, with toasty bonfires, sweet toffee apples and dazzling firework displays to light up the cold and darkening autumn night.

You will also hear complaints from many who say it is loud, outdated, and frightening. The emergency services, particularly the fire brigade, come under increased pressure to respond to emergencies caused by firework misuse.

The London Fire Brigade are feeling the strain from increased callouts, having already responded to over 60 firework related emergencies since the start of October. This week alone saw 27 cases, and the number is rising fast.

Last November, the Brigade faced its busiest season since 2017, seeing a 14% spike in calls. Many of these were responding to incidents involving fireworks.

In a recent statement, a spokesperson for the Brigade reminded Londoners that “fireworks are explosives and should be treated with respect. When you misuse fireworks, it risks lives and takes resources away from other emergencies across the capital.”

They advised Londoners to attend organised events, which are occurring across the city this weekend, rather than creating their own displays in the garden. They argue it “will be safer, cheaper and more spectacular.”

If you are set on bringing the fireworks display to your garden, the Brigade also provided a guide on how to keep yourself safe using pyrotechnics at home.

A list of guidance from the London Fire Brigade around using fireworks at home.
The Brigade’s directions for safe home use of fireworks

Love it or hate it, the increase in fireworks use, and misuse, is heaping pressure on London’s emergency services.

There are plenty of firework shows throughout this week, that LFB have advised will be safer and more spectacular for Londoners than DIY displays.

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