York police have issued a stern warning about the dangers of fireworks misuse following a house fire in the city.
At around 9.40pm onWednesday 26 October 2011 , North Yorkshire Fire are Rescue Service were called to a fire at a house on Byland Avenue.
A lit firework had entered through the bedroom window of the house which caused a large explosion and started a fire which was contained within the bedroom.
Thankfully the occupants of the house were uninjured and were taken to York District Hospital only as a precaution.
Detective Chief Inspector Heather Pearson of York CID, said:
Misuse of fireworks can be deadly, not only to innocent members of the public but also to the offender.
We cannot stress enough how dangerous this incident was and can only remind people of the tragic death of an 83-year-old Harrogate woman who died in 2008 after youths placed a firework in a wheelie bin which spread to her home.
North Yorkshire Police will have extra patrols on duty over the Halloween and bonfire night period and warn that reckless and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Mess with fireworks and you will feel the full force of the law.
Two men from York, aged 27 and 30, were arrested in the early hours of this morning (Thursday 27 October) on suspicion or arson with intent to endanger life. They are currently being questioned in police custody.
Following the arrest of the two men, police conducted searches of a property in York and discovered a large quantity of display fireworks which have been seized along with a vehicle.
Police would like to hear from anyone who was in Byland Avenue around the time of the incident or who has any other information which could help the investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact York CID on 0845 60 60 247, quoting reference number 12110182072. Or, you can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and could qualify for a cash reward.
Useful information
Firework Facts
It is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks, shops should refuse to sell to people under 18 and ask for proof of age if there is any doubt.
It is against the law to carry or use adult fireworks if you are under 18. An adult firework is any firework except a cap, cracker snap, novelty match, party popper, serpent, sparkler or throw down
Under the Explosives Act of 1875, It is illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place.
It is illegal to sell fireworks form unregistered/licensed premises.
Don’t light fireworks after 11pm, or midnight on 5 November, 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali or Chinese New Year.
No one of any age should be in possession of a category four firework unless you are a professional display organiser.
If anyone believes they have information about the illegal sale, use or possession of fireworks, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Some Safety Advice for Children
Do’s
- Only trick or treat in your own neighbourhood unless you’re with an adult
- Stay in well lit areas where there are plenty of houses
- Make sure an adult knows the area you plan to visit and what time you’ll be back
- Look out for ‘no callers please’ posters and respect your neighbours
- Keep to pavements and trick or treat on one side of the street before crossing safely to the other side – don’t criss-cross
Don’ts
- Don’t cut through back alleys, ginnels or fields, and don’t trick or treat too far from home
- Don’t go alone – take an adult with you or stay in a group
- Wait to eat any treats until you get home so that an adult can check them
