Fire Service urges public to use fireworks responsibly
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to use fireworks responsibly after being called to a number of anti-social firework incidents on Halloween.
Fire crews across Essex were called to four incidents across the county where people had used fireworks anti-socially.
Crews were first called to an incident behind Wickford Fire Station where a group had been setting fireworks off in a park.
Later into the evening, crews were called to a rubbish fire near to a high-rise block of flats in Argent Street, Grays after a firework was thrown into a rubbish pile. Crews worked to prevent the fire spreading to the high-rise building.
Police are investigating a number of reports of fireworks being used antisocially across the county.
In one incident, a firework was posted through the letterbox of a house in Sharpecroft, Harlow where a woman and her young child were inside.
Neil Fenwick,Area Manager - Operational and Strategic Support at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Thankfully, the fire was out when we arrived and the two occupants were unharmed. However, this could have quickly turned into a devastating fire with two people’s lives at risk.
“Fireworks are an explosive and should be handled with care. Not only can they cause a fire if handled incorrectly, they can also cause devastating burns if they explode near to a person.
“Please do not misuse fireworks. Do not walk around with them in your pocket and do not throw lit fireworks. If you’re a parent, make sure your children are not using fireworks.”
If you see someone misusing fireworks, please dial 999 to report it.
Page last updated 2 November, 2021