More than 30 tonnes of fireworks seized in Bradford and Halifax
More than five and a half tonnes of fireworks have been seized in Bradford as part of an investigation into their illegal storage.
It follows an inspection on Darley Street in October, which led fire crews, health and safety officers and police to further locations across Bradford and Calderdale.
A company called Big Shotter Fireworks Limited has had its premises shut by court order, with enquiries into exactly how the fireworks were being stored still ongoing.
Christopher Kemp, Senior Fire Protection Manager at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Fireworks are explosives and there are strict controls around how and where they can be stored.
“Those controls exist to protect businesses, employees and, importantly, the wider public. Our priority throughout this activity has been public safety. Working alongside HSE and West Yorkshire Police, we have removed unprecedented quantities of fireworks from a number of locations while our enquiries continue.
“This is a complex operation involving a number of locations and different regulatory responsibilities. Our investigations remain ongoing and it would therefore be inappropriate to speculate about its outcome or any enforcement action that may follow.
“I would like to thank our colleagues at HSE and West Yorkshire Police for the considerable support they have provided throughout this work.”
Martyn Sime Chief Inspector of Explosives for the Health and Safety Executive said:
“The Health and Safety Executive has been working closely with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in relation to the safe storage of fireworks identified during this ongoing activity.”
“Explosives, including fireworks, must be stored safely and in accordance with the relevant legal requirements. Our immediate priority has been to work with partners to manage any risks identified and ensure the safe handling and storage of the fireworks concerned.”