London firefighters have issued an urgent warning over the dangers of overuse of fireworks in the run-up to Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali, following a series of fire incidents fireworks in the capital this month.

Over the past four weeks, firefighters have already responded to an average of two fireworks incidents per week. This includes:

• Reports of fireworks going out of control in public space in Battersea
• Fireworks lit from a balcony in Stockwell
• Misused fireworks in Northolt
• Misused fireworks at Penge
• Reports of youths setting off fireworks in Notting Hill
• Fireworks misused causing heavy smoke at Southwark flat
• Misused fireworks in Blackheath

More particularly, firefighters tackled a blaze at a secondary school in Enfield last weekwhich was allegedly caused by a group of young people playing with fireworks. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident served as a stark warning to Londoners about the dangers of misusing fireworks.

To raise awareness, the Brigade released footage of the incident captured as part of their GoodSam apphoping this will encourage the public to exercise caution during the upcoming fireworks season.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said: “An investigation was recently opened following a fire at a school in Enfield on October 23. This fire appears to have been deliberately started by a group of youths aiming fireworks at the building and our investigations into this are ongoing.

“We are continuing to work with London Fire Brigade, local schools and our partners, including local councils, to highlight the dangers of fireworks during this time.

“Officers will continue to patrol during Halloween night and fireworks to respond to reports of anti-social behavior.”

Deputy Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, said: “It is really worrying for us to see so many fireworks-related incidents caused by people deliberately misusing fireworks in recent weeks.

“As we enter a time of year when fireworks are more readily available and used for celebrations, we urge the public to think twice before purchasing fireworks and instead consider to attend an organized show. Parents should also talk to their children about the dangers of playing with fireworks.

“Our priority is to keep Londoners safe, but when people overuse fireworks it takes resources away from other emergencies in the capital.

“Fireworks are explosives and, as such, should be treated with respect and used only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Fireworks Code. If you use fireworks incorrectly, you risk serious injury to yourself or your loved ones.

“If you are a registered seller with a special license to sell fireworks, it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18. You can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to 6 months for illegally selling or using fireworks.

“If you choose to use fireworks privately, you should only purchase safe CE-marked fireworks and never throw or direct them at other people, animals or property.”

The Brigade also revealed new data today, which ranks Tower Hamlets as London’s busiest borough during the fireworks season, with enforcement officers responding to 685 fire-related calls regarding incidents occurred in the borough since 2010. A staggering 60 per cent of these calls took place on Bonfire Night alone. , with the remaining 25 percent being on Diwali and 14 percent on Halloween.

The five main boroughs also include Ealing, Newham, Enfield and Hounslow, with enforcement officers each receiving between 340 and 418 fire-related calls during the season. Other boroughs, such as Southwark, Hillingdon, Croydon, Brent, Bromley, Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Westminster and Redbridge, each received more than 200 calls.

For more information on the safety of fireworks, bonfires and candles, visit the London Fire Brigade website. You can also find fireworks across the city on the Brigade websitewhich have been subject to a risk assessment.