Bonfire weekend: police and students team up on firework safety, and how to report misuse

With most of Birmingham's bonfire displays taking place this weekend, police are reminding people that fireworks are for organised celebrations, not for throwing in the street, and that anyone who misuses them can face fines, arrest and criminal charges. Officers have been working with Aston University and the fire service in the run-up to the season to make sure students in particular know the law and how to report trouble.

Students given the facts

At a joint police surgery on Aston University's city centre campus, officers, firefighters and the university's security team talked to students about firework law, the dangers of misuse and the consequences of getting it wrong, Aston University said.

University Officer PC Steffan Wedderburn explained how getting involved in the misuse of fireworks could have a lasting impact on a student's life, studies and future career. But he also had good news. "It's nice to see students and the city come together to celebrate the festivities," he said. "Most students I speak to are heading to professional events organised by licensed teams, which is great to hear."

"Setting off fireworks in public places is a criminal offence and anyone found doing so could face prosecution," he added. "We want everyone to enjoy the celebrations, but it's important that people do so safely and responsibly."

Scott Trim, Aston's director of campus services, said the university welcomed the force's plans to tackle firework disorder around Halloween and Bonfire Night. "The safety and wellbeing of our community and our neighbours is a priority," he said.

Police act quickly in the city centre

The importance of that message was shown early on Friday, when officers used temporary stop and search powers across a large part of the city centre until 8am after disorder involving fireworks in the Bagot Street area, Birmingham Live reported.

A force spokesperson said: "We won't tolerate such appalling behaviour, which we know is frightening for people and puts them at risk of harm. The safety of our communities is paramount, and we'll do all we can to ensure this. Misusing fireworks is not only dangerous: it's illegal."

Enjoying fireworks safely

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised public display, run by trained teams with proper safety zones. There are many around Birmingham this weekend, and the forecast for Saturday evening is largely dry.

For anyone holding a garden display, the familiar advice still applies: buy fireworks only from a licensed seller, follow the instructions on each one, light them at arm's length, stand well back, never go back to a firework once lit, and keep pets indoors. Sparklers should be held by adults or supervised closely and dropped into a bucket of water when finished.

How to report misuse

Birmingham police ask anyone who sees fireworks being used dangerously or irresponsibly to:

• call 101, or report it online on the force's website;
• call 999 in an emergency, where someone is in danger;
• contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to report plans for irresponsible behaviour before it happens.

Most people celebrate the season safely and considerately, and police say that is exactly what they want to see. Reporting the few who do not helps keep the weekend enjoyable for everyone else, including the many families, older neighbours and pets who find fireworks frightening.