Station Manager Kevin Bell holding fireworks.
Firefighters are warning residents to make sure they know where their fireworks have come from this Bonfire Night.
Country Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has stressed that adults should only buy fireworks from licenced sellers and ensure the CE or UKCA mark is on the box.
The fire service said that buying fireworks from unlicensed sellers is illegal and dangerous as they might not meet safety standards - increasing the risk of serious injury or fire.
CDDFRS Station Manager Kevin Bell said: “Only adults over the age of 18 are allowed to purchase fireworks.
“Make sure you only buy them from a licenced retailer, such as a major supermarket, and check the box for the CE mark or UKCA mark, which means they meet safety standards.
“Also ensure the fireworks you buy are no higher than Category 3.
“Remember, always avoid alcohol when setting them off and only light one at a time.
“After a firework has gone off, leave it for at least 30 minutes and then place it in a bucket of water for 24 hours.
“Then place the wet firework in a plastic bin bag and tie the bag closed before placing it in a normal bin.”
Anyone found selling or using fireworks illegally can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to six months.*
They could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.
Anyone who believes a shop is unregistered, or selling fireworks when they shouldn’t, can contact the council’s Trading Standards Officer.
Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council will also have a list of registered sellers.
Cllr Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “Our Trading Standards team works closely with legitimate businesses to ensure fireworks are stored and sold in line with safety regulations and to ensure that they are not sold to under 18s.
“We've seen cases of people selling cheap and unsafe fireworks through social media or from private dwellings.
“Such sales put people at risk of injury and we’d urge members of the public to only buy from a licensed seller and to report any issues to us.”
Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s Safer Places Manager, said: “If residents are planning to buy fireworks for their own display, please buy them from a licenced seller and follow all safety precautions, particularly when storing the fireworks before use and paying particular attention to the safe separation distance when setting them off.”
You can report traders selling illegal fireworks or those selling fireworks to people under 18 in Darlington here: Darlington BC - Report an illegal trader and Durham here: tradingstandards@durham.gov.uk.
