Fireworks shrapnel ‘a danger to children and pets’, says Hull woman

A Hull woman wants stricter regulations on fireworks after finding sharp pieces of plastic scattered across her garden.

Carol Bailey said she was “shocked” to discover debris on her property after Bonfire Night and feared children and pets could be injured.

Ms Bailey said many people don’t realize how much debris falls to the ground.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said anyone who finds shrapnel should wait until it is cold before using a dustpan to sweep it up.

“I started seeing all these pieces of plastic glittering all over the driveway,” Ms. Bailey said.

“They were very sharp and dangerous. I put gloves on because I was a little worried.”

She said she was concerned that cats and dogs might walk on the shards.

“One of them could have damaged a child’s face. I could have had my own grandchildren here,” she added.

Fireworks are regulated by law and must comply strict safety standards.

However, Ms Bailey said she was shocked to discover they were made of plastic rather than cardboard or paper.

“You might think they look really nice in the air, but I don’t think people realize that this comes down to the ground,” she added.

Kieren Garner, prevention advisor at the fire brigade, warned that all kinds of debris could fall from the sky.

“It’s clear that what goes up must come down,” he said.

“Many fireworks are attached to sticks that need to be planted firmly in the ground… but sometimes these go into the air.

“It could be really dangerous.”

Mr Garner advised people to attend organized exhibitions.

“Especially with some larger rockets, they are large, thick pieces of plastic.

“That’s why we recommend going to public displays. You’re in larger fields, so there’s less chance of something like that happening.”

Ms Bailey said she hoped her experience would make others think again about setting off fireworks in their back gardens.

‘I thought someone could have been seriously injured.

“I couldn’t imagine what they would have done to someone’s eye.”

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