Residents urged to choose fireworks wisely this bonfire season

Staffordshire Trading Standards is urging residents to buy fireworks only from authorised retailers, warning that products sold through social media and unofficial sellers could pose serious safety risks.

Residents are being reminded to buy fireworks only from reputable and authorised retailers as Staffordshire Trading Standards steps up its annual safety campaign ahead of Bonfire Night.

The warning comes as officers continue to monitor the sale of fireworks across the county and work with businesses to ensure products are being stored and sold responsibly. It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.

Officers are also urging people to be cautious of fireworks sold through unofficial channels, including social media marketplaces, pop-up sellers and private addresses. These could be counterfeit, incorrectly labelled, illegally imported or fail to meet UK safety requirements.

Unsafe or illegal fireworks can pose a serious risk, potentially causing fires, injuries and damage to property. Products sold outside regulated supply chains may not have undergone the necessary safety testing and could be incorrectly labelled or unsuitable for consumer use.

People should always look to trusted retailers and to avoid being tempted by bargains that may put themselves and others at risk.

Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:

"Bonfire Night is enjoyed by thousands of people across Staffordshire every year, and we want everyone to celebrate safely.

"The safest way to buy fireworks is from a reputable retailer that is authorised to sell them. Buying fireworks from unofficial sellers, whether through social media sites or private sellers, can carry significant risks as you cannot be certain the products meet the required safety standards.

"We would also encourage people to be mindful of neighbours, pets and animals when planning celebrations and to consider attending organised public events where possible."

Trading Standards officers will continue carrying out checks with businesses throughout the fireworks-selling period to ensure legal requirements are being met.

Anyone with concerns about the sale of fireworks can contact Staffordshire Trading Standards through the council's Report It webpage or by calling 01785 330356.

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