National Campaign for Firework Safety
Our aim is to promote the safe use of  fireworks

Press Release for Tuesday 9 October 2001

CAMPAIGN CALLS ON GOVERNMENT AND FIREWORK INDUSTRY TO ABANDON THE FIREWORK SEASON DURING THE PRESENT EMERGENCY AND AS A MARK OF RESPECT TO THE PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON

The National Campaign for Firework Safety calls on the Government and Firework Industry to abandon the firework season this year and recall all fireworks at present distributed to shops and warehouses in view of the Emergency due to the events of September 11, which continues.  There are 2 periods of firework sales of 3.5 weeks both in October-November, and through December, since the Millennium.

The campaign has already made representations to the firework industry through their representative organisation since mid -September, and is yet to get a response.

In our letter we said that the last thing the people of the UK want during the present emergency is continuing daily explosions for a 3-month period until New Year's Eve. With the advent of the use of higher explosive fireworks in the display category 4 variety, together with the lack of regulations, (fireworks in this category still do not need to be licensed, nor firework displays) it is incumbent on the firework industry, to introduce a voluntary cessation on the sale and use of fireworks this year.  It would also be a mark of respect for the victims of the explosions in both New York and Washington.

FIREWORK INJURY STATISTICS
Last November fireworks killed 2 people and injured over 1,200,  972 hospital cases.  Most of these injuries required further treatment. Most injuries occurred to under age children.  Many animals are injured by fireworks each year but no official records are compiled by animal welfare organisations.

Only injuries for the first sales period were counted, and the release of the figures was held back until the Parliamentary Recess.  The 2 men killed were as a result of getting hold of category 4 fireworks illegally.


ABOUT THE  CAMPAIGN

NCFS has been working for 32 years to put an end to firework injuries as a result of misuse by youths, and the lack of training and technical skill by display operators.  This can only be achieved by licensing fireworks for displays through the Local Authorities, put on by trained people

NCFS has the support of most MPs in the House, and many organisations in the emergency services and animal welfare. "Said Noel Tobin, Director of NCFS, 
"The debate on fireworks was fought and won before 1997, nobody disagrees about what has to be done, it is getting the legislation back to replace the 1875 Law which is now our priority".

After a Bill was talked out in a filibuster in 1998, organised by maverick MPs Eric Forth, Edward Leigh, and David McLean,  the Prime Minister, Tony Blair spoke of the need "to get those measures back which we needed".   Since then we have been waiting.

NOEL TOBIN - DIRECTOR