Two house fires in London over the weekend have been linked to Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations, as the London Fire Brigade recorded its highest number of emergency callouts on November 5 in a decade.
On Saturday night, a firework sparked an accidental fire in Chingford. Half of the ground floor and first floor, along with part of the roof of a terraced house in Heaton Close, were damaged. Officers received the first call at 10:36pm, and the incident was over by 12:04am.
Candle causes Croydon house fire
A candle being used for religious celebrations caused a house fire on Parkfields in Croydon on Sunday. A man and a woman left the property before 25 firefighters arrived, and they were assessed at the scene by paramedics. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a dog from the building.
Part of the first floor of an end-of-terrace house was damaged by the fire, and part of the front of a neighbouring property was also damaged.
Busiest Bonfire Night in a decade
On Thursday, November 5, the fire service took the highest number of emergency Bonfire Night calls since 2016, with 832 callouts. Some of those calls included trees or grass being set alight from fireworks in Islington, Battersea and White City, as well as out-of-control bonfires across the city.
On Sunday, there were 820 calls made to the brigade, 49 of which were firework-related and 13 were bonfire-related.
Police action and safety plea
In Southall, west London, two people were filmed being cuffed by police for letting off a barrage of fireworks from the pavement on Sunday evening at around 7:40pm. It is illegal to let off fireworks in the street, regardless of whether it is for a special occasion.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police on patrol were alerted to two men releasing fireworks on South Road, Southall. They were issued with penalty notices and dispersal orders by officers.”
Police were also called to Telegraph Hill in Lewisham on Bonfire Night at around 8pm, following reports of fireworks being discharged by young people. No injuries were reported and no arrests were made, but enquiries are ongoing.
Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for the fire service, told The Standard: “There are always fantastic organised public events marking Bonfire Night in London, and they are by far the safest way to enjoy fireworks.
“London Fire Brigade received the highest number of calls in a decade on November 5, which is a stark reminder of the risks that private displays can pose to people, animals, homes and public spaces.
“Anyone planning fireworks or bonfires at home should put safety first and show consideration for their neighbours and surroundings.”
