Son Campaigns for Firework Regulation Changes Following Mother’s Death

“People are going to get terrorised tonight – what are the good ones to let off at people?” This question was posed by teenager Kai Cooper to a fireworks shop proprietor on the evening of 28 October 2021. Subsequently, the 18-year-old from Leatherhead, Surrey, along with Callum Dunne, 15, from Southend, Essex, inserted a lit firework through the letterbox of 88-year-old Josephine Smith’s residence, initiating a blaze that resulted in her fatality. The shop owner later admitted guilt to the charge of selling fireworks to Dunne, who was underage. The two individuals, who were taken into custody last year for Mrs Smith’s manslaughter, had previously launched fireworks at moving vehicles and into shop entrances before targeting her home in Romford, east London. “The experience of being there that night, and seeing Mum coming out that building, was just horrible,” Alan, Mrs Smith’s son, conveyed to BBC London. He added, “I don’t want it happening to anybody else – losing Mum that way and to see the way [fireworks] are sold so indiscriminately and irresponsibly.” “The anniversary was really difficult. Sometimes I just flip and can’t cope, it’s the same for the rest of my family. We’ve all been massively affected by it.” He described his mother as a lovely woman, consistently “immaculately turned out.” He stated, “She was a massive part of the community and a massive part of our family. She was amazing, she is greatly missed.” Mr Smith is advocating for more stringent regulations concerning the sale and deployment of fireworks, including mandatory ID checks for individuals appearing under 25 and a prohibition on the purchase of cheaper, smaller fireworks. He remarked: “I’m not trying to ruin people’s fun. They are tiny changes we need. Mum is never going to come back, but something in her name, some sort of change.” He further expressed, “I would like to see fireworks banned from the high street. I don’t think you should be able to buy a pint of milk or something from the newsagents, as well as fireworks.” He concluded, “You shouldn’t be able to buy explosives that kill people, on the high street.” In England, it is currently unlawful to discharge fireworks between 23:00 and 07:00, with exceptions for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to acquire fireworks or handle them in a public area. This information comes as the London Fire Brigade issued a caution regarding the hazards of firework misuse in anticipation of Bonfire Night, following a series of firework-related incidents across the capital in the preceding month. In 2023, over 2,000 emergency calls were logged on Diwali, Halloween, and Bonfire Night, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. Bonfire Night alone experienced a 14% surge in calls, making it the busiest for the brigade since 2016. Diwali also recorded the highest volume of 999 calls in 14 years. Craig Carter, the London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, stated: “Our advice has always been that it’s safer to attend professional displays rather than using fireworks at home. It’s also cheaper and usually easy to get to, as there are plenty of displays taking place across the capital.“ He continued, “If you do choose to host your own display, it’s important to ensure you are buying safe fireworks. Only buy fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller and make sure they have a CE safety mark. Secure them properly in the ground, and keep them far away from buildings, trees, animals, and people.“ Carter added, “Always follow the Fireworks Code and remember there are strict laws around when you can purchase and use fireworks. Never set them off if you’ve been drinking alcohol and once a firework is lit, never go back it.” A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade commented: “This tragic death could have been avoided and our thoughts are with Josephine’s loved ones.“ They added, “We endeavour to keep the public safe and have launched a new fireworks safety campaign to help people use them safely and appropriately, and to ensure they are bought from licensed or registered retailers.”