Multiple warnings issued as Derbyshire folk prepare to celebrate Bonfire Night

Firework stores should have a licence and follow strict guidelines, including not selling to anyone under the age of 18.

For the bonfire period, fireworks can legally be sold until Tuesday, November 10, and three Derbyshire shops have an additional sales licence to sell them all year around.

Councillor Dave Allen, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for health and communities, said: “We want to make sure everyone has a fun and entertaining Bonfire Night − but most importantly stays safe.

“Unfortunately, unauthorised firework dealers don’t share that concern. These temporary traders have a bigger chance of selling faulty goods with a greater risk of fire and uncontrolled explosion.

“Our trading standards officers are out investigating these rogue traders and we’re urging people to think carefully about what they’re buying before handing over any money.

“Dealing with trustworthy sources helps make sure the fireworks you buy are safe, but it’s just as important to make sure instructions like safety distances are read and followed.”

During the legal sales period, the council’s trading standards officers will carry out targeted checks to make sure retailers are abiding by the rules. Officers are also urging residents to contact them on 01629 533190 if they have any concerns around the safety of fireworks or how they are being sold.

Fireworks should not be sold out of vehicles, market stalls or car boot sales. Any activity like this should be reported along with suspicions of underage supply or sales continuing past November 10.

If people are concerned about fireworks being let off in public places they should call the police on 101. This includes fireworks being let off during the banned night hours of 11pm to 7am except on Bonfire Night – which is Thursday, November 5 – when the curfew begins at midnight.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ firework code outlines how to stay safe on Bonfire Night. Their advice includes:

• plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable

• keep fireworks in a locked box and use them one at a time

• read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary

• light the firework with a taper and stand well back − fireworks are marked with a safety distance

• keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks

• never return to a firework once it’s been lit

• don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them

• direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

• never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire

• make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.