Fireworks collected in amnesty destroyed

Graeme Levy, represententing the local Authority Trading Standards partners, Area Commander Russ James, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Chief Superintendant Jon Rush, Greater Manchester Police with fireworks just before they were destroyed.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have continued in their aim to drive down firework related accidents and keep Greater Manchester safe during 2008.

Continuing the work of their ‘Firework Amnesty’ throughout the year they have collected dangerous and unwanted fireworks from locations throughout the Manchester area.

These fireworks were dramatically destroyed today (Tuesday 7 October).

The fireworks amnesty is one of the actions taken by GMFRS working as part of the Treacle partnership, a multi agency, county wide collaboration designed to reduce the impact of fireworks, bonfires and associated antisocial behaviour.

The amnesty allows members of the public wishing to dispose of fireworks to do so safely by calling 0800 634 0880 and the Fire Service will collect them. It will also minimise the potential of fireworks returning to streets or being set off in houses causing serious injury or damage to property.

The Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for licensing and storage of up to eight tonnes of fireworks, and every year there are examples of members of the public storing fireworks dangerously in their homes. The Service realises it is very difficult to safely dispose of fireworks that are not required as it is illegal to put them in the dustbin or at the local tip.

Assistant County Fire Officer, Steve Beckley said, “Sadly every year we see examples of how dangerous fireworks, if misused, can be, as they are after all, explosives. We have responded to the public’s call for assistance in disposing of unwanted fireworks by setting up a free phone number on 0800 634 0880 and we will collect and destroy any fireworks that they are concerned about. The fireworks may be old, suspicious looking, out of date or bought by mistake. We will collect them and destroy them safely.”