Early signs of a much busier Fireworks Night for Firefighters

black-84715_640London Fire Brigade say that preliminary statistics from Bonfire Night 2016 show an increase of 32 per cent on last year.

Firefighters attended 501 incidents for the 24 hour period on 5 November compared with 340 for the same period in 2015. The Brigade expected the increase as Bonfire Night related incidents increase when it falls on Saturday. The last time that happened was 2011 when there were 481 incidents across the capital.

There were 142 fires including two serious residential blazes caused by fireworks. Sixty firefighters tackled a maisonette blaze caused by a stray firework in West Hampstead and used fireworks left in a bin started a fire in Harrow.

Tower Hamlets had the greatest number of incidents with 41 followed by Westminster on 31 and Lambeth on 24.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Bonfire Night was extremely busy for our crews and control staff who worked hard to deal with a large amount of incidents and 999 calls. Fireworks can be spectacular, but they are explosives and can cause serious injury if handled irresponsibly. We would urge Londoners to reduce the risk of injury and fire by attending an organised firework display.“

Between 6pm and 11.30pm the Brigade’s control centre received 450 calls during this period and 234 incidents.

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