Firework thrown through door of Chip Shop
23 October 2008
At 19:08 hrs on the 21st October 2008 firefighters were called to a chip shop on Silverdale Street, Openshaw - where a firework had been thrown into the shop.
When they arrived firefighters were shocked to find that a firework designed for display use, with multiple shots, had been lit and then thrown into the shop. The firework caused scorching damage to the floor and ceiling and smoke logging the shop. Remarkably and thankfully the firework had then self extinguished without setting fire to the building. One man was treated at the scene by NWAS paramedics and taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary.
The incident was also attended by officers from Greater Manchester Police and is the subject of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information relating to this incident is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Steve Beckley, Assistant County Fire Officer responsible for Fire Safety said, "This reckless act risked setting fire to the shop, with the potential for serious, even tragic, consequences for the people inside the building. We will not tolerate such behaviour and are working with the Treacle partnership to reduce the illegal use of fireworks and associated anti social behaviour."
Editors notes
The law
It is illegal to:
- Set off fireworks after 11 pm, except on certain defined days, such as 5 November (until midnight), New Year's Eve, the Chinese New Year and Diwali (until 1 am).
- Throw fireworks/let them off in the street .
- Possess fireworks unless you are 18 or older.
- Sell fireworks to minors.
- Sell fireworks without being registered.
- Fail to comply with storage requirements (retailers)
Treacle is a multi agency initiative aimed at preventing, tackling and protecting against anti social behaviour, criminal damage and harm reduction during the Halloween and Bonfire period across Greater Manchester. Treacle partners include GMFRS, Greater Manchester Police, Local Authority Trading Standards, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Health and Safety Executive.
GMFRS are operating a firework amnesty allowing members of the public to dispose of illegal or unwanted fireworks, to arrange collection and disposal call us on Freephone 0800 634 0880.
Press enquires
All enquiries regarding this press statement should be made to:
The Media Liaison Officer
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
146 Bolton Road
Swinton
Manchester
M27 8US
Telephone: 0161 608 4090/1
Fax: 0161 608 4095