Incredible video footage shows fireworks being launched dangerously close to homes and businesses during Diwali celebrations, with one London resident describing the scenes as “like the Wild West.”
Clips circulating on social media show fireworks being set off in the middle of residential streets and on roundabouts, posing serious risks to nearby homes, properties, and passersby.
In one video, boxes of fireworks are lit directly on a roundabout in Slough, as drivers attempt to navigate around the blasts. In another, a group can be seen setting off fireworks just metres away from cars on a main road in Harrow.
Londoners have also reported being kept awake by loud bangs well into the early hours, with families with young children calling for stricter enforcement around private firework displays and urging people to be more “considerate of their neighbours.”
London Fire Brigade received 1,341 calls on October 20 and 21, at least 35 of which were firework related, including a house fire in Hayes caused by a firework igniting combustible materials.
Other incidents included a firework set off in a hallway, smoke reported in a leisure centre caused by fireworks, and a tree set alight by fireworks
Many of the recent displays were part of Diwali celebrations —the “festival of lights”, observed by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the UK.
The appeal for restraint from residents comes ahead of Bonfire Night next weekend, as the autumn firework season enters full swing.
One Harrow resident compared the situation to living in the “Wild West”, having to walk on the road to avoid fireworks being set off “on both sides of the pavement”.
“I just walked home [...] having peacefully completed Diwali rituals with family and I had to walk on the road to avoid fireworks on both sides of the pavement,” they said.
“Then I walked past Harrow Recreation Ground, where it looks like a huge mess will need to be cleaned up tomorrow.
“Another year on and it still feels like the Wild West out there.”
A resident from Northolt compared the noise to being in a “band rehearsal” as they urged people celebrating Diwali and similar events to “think of others”.
“Do not take this the wrong way, in no way am I prejudiced towards anyone or anything, but it’s 00.34 and I’m still hearing pop pop bang like I’m in a band rehearsal room,” they said.
“Also, is it just me who noticed that the later it gets, the louder the fireworks also get? Not to mention that the whole street I live on is covered in smoke.
“Street is also a mess from all the remnants of exploded fireworks.”
Another Northolt resident said: “I am all for everybody celebrating things from their culture, but this is taking the absolute p*** now. I have two young children asleep in their beds. One of my children’s bedroom windows faces Kingshill Avenue. The fireworks are not being safely let off at all!
They added: “God forbid one comes through my daughter’s window while she sleeps.
“The roadside is also so dangerous for oncoming cars. The mess left is also an absolute joke!”
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Some residents pointed to the tragic case of Aroen Kishen, who lost his wife and three young children in a devastating house fire sparked by a firework during Diwali two years ago.
Mr Kishen’s wife, Seema, and their children — Riyan, 11, Arohi, eight, and Shanaya, four — died along with family friends when their home in Hounslow was engulfed in flames.
Just last night, firefighters were called to a house fire at a semi-detached property on Cotmans Close in Hayes.
While no injuries were reported, part of the ground floor was damaged, and a garden shed was destroyed in the blaze.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Paul Askew said: “Following a busy week of fireworks-related calls and incidents, we’re urging Londoners to follow our advice by attending a safer, organised fireworks display this year.
“If you are going to host your own display, it’s important to ensure you are buying safe fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller with a CE safety mark. Secure them properly in the ground, and keep them far away from buildings, trees, animals and people.
“Always follow the Fireworks Code and remember there are strict laws around when you can purchase and use fireworks. Never set them off if you’ve been drinking alcohol and once a firework is lit, never go back to it.
“Disposing of fireworks safely is just as important as using them correctly. Allow fireworks to cool properly before throwing them away.”
London Fire Brigade has reminded Londoners that fireworks should never be used in public places and must be handled with care, following safety distances and disposal instructions.
It is illegal to set them off in streets under the Explosives Act 1875, the LFB added, and fireworks should always be kept away from people, buildings, wildlife, and vehicles.
