Fireworks signal launch of public safety campaign

A fireworks display today marked the launch of the 2008 fireworks awareness, safety and enforcement campaign.

Two local schools were invited to join this year’s campaign launch at Whitla Street Fire Station.

The children, from Seaview Primary School and St Patrick’s College, were given a demonstration of the importance of fireworks safety, and of the need to have a licence.

Speaking about the campaign, the Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “Halloween is a time closely associated with people having fun and parties and, of course, with fireworks. Unfortunately, while they are entertaining and exciting, if not handled properly fireworks can be extremely dangerous, leading to injuries, often serious ones.

“I want families to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, which is why the launch of today’s fireworks safety campaign is so important.”

Security Minister Paul Goggins said: “You must have a licence to buy and use fireworks. If you don’t, you are breaking the law and risk getting a criminal record. By buying fireworks illegally, you are lining the pockets of the organised criminals who are profiting from their sale, and taking a serious risk with your own personal safety.”

Peter Craig, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: “The run up to Halloween is always a busy period for our firefighters. We want everyone in the community to enjoy themselves but to do so safely and responsibly. Fireworks can be dangerous and without proper supervision they can cause serious injury.

“We would appeal to the public – parents, young people and community leaders – to always follow the Firework Code and plan any Firework display in advance to make it both safe and enjoyable.”

PSNI Chief Superintendent Brian Maguire said: "We want people to enjoy their Halloween festivities. However, the community must realise there are serious consequences associated with misuse of fireworks.

"Therefore, Police will be targeting the hotspot areas of Northern Ireland, making particular efforts to disrupt the illegal sale and importation of fireworks.

"Our officers will also be highly visible in working to tackle the issues of underage drinking, on street drinking and related anti-social behaviour."

Notes to Editors:

1. The Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002, as amended, came into operation in May 2002 and made it compulsory for anyone wishing to purchase, possess and use fireworks for a garden display to obtain a licence. The fee for a fireworks licence (where the number of spectators is less than 100) is £30.
2. Licence application forms are available from the Northern Ireland Office website at - www.nio.gov.uk/fireworks_application_form_and_guidance_notes.pdf or by ringing (028) 9052 3150.
3. Completed application forms (together with the fee) should be sent to Firearms and Explosives Branch, Room A4.24, Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SG. In order to process the applications in time for Halloween it would be helpful if they were submitted to the Branch by Wednesday 22 October 2008.
4. Guidance for members of the public on the law on fireworks and the firework safety code can be downloaded from - www.nio.gov.uk/index/the_explosives_(fireworks)_regulations_(northern_ireland)_2002.htm
5. Retailers who wish to keep fireworks must be registered under the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (MSER). The certificate of registration must be displayed at the point of sale.
6. Retailers who disregard the provisions in the Fireworks Regulations may have their registrations to keep fireworks revoked under powers in MSER.
7. Selling fireworks on a street or public place is prohibited. Therefore, selling them at markets and car boot sales, and from vans, such as ice-cream vans, is illegal.
8. Members of the public are encouraged to pass information about the illegal sale and use of fireworks to the PSNI or Crimestoppers.
9. For all media queries, please contact Sarah Williams, DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 2841 or 07791 149246. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.