Key Points
- A stray firework damaged the third-floor cladding of a block of flats on Cranbrook Road in Ilford, east London, on 20 October 2025, with no injuries reported.
- London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to 32 firework-related calls over the weekend prior to the incident and is urging residents to attend organised displays like the London New Year Eve Fireworks instead of private use.
- Ilford fire station commander Angelo Comparini emphasised attending professional shows to reduce accident risks, advising purchase from licensed sellers and adherence to the Fireworks Code.
- Redbridge Council, in collaboration with firefighters, conducted safety visits to high-rise buildings and hosted a public awareness session at Ilford Station ahead of Guy Fawkes Night and cultural festivities.
- Aroen Kishen shared his 2023 Diwali tragedy in Hounslow, where his wife Seema Ratra, children Riyan (11), Arohi (8), Shanaya (4), and friends Nitin Chopra (28) and Sandhaya Chopra (20) died in a fire sparked by a faulty firework that ignited external materials.
- LFB spokesperson warned that fireworks are explosives requiring respect, with specific advice against alcohol use, returning to lit fireworks, or buying from unlicensed sellers.
- Saima Ahmed, Redbridge Cabinet member for housing and homelessness, cautioned against balcony fireworks, noting their severe risks.
- Bonfire festivities and displays, including preparations for London New Year Eve Fireworks, heighten safety concerns across East London.
London Fire Brigade Issues Urgent Fireworks Warning After Ilford Cladding Blaze
Local council leaders and fire crews in East London are appealing to residents to handle fireworks with caution as Guy Fawkes Night approaches and preparations ramp up for major events like the London New Year Eve Fireworks. On 20 October 2025, a stray firework caused significant damage to the external cladding on the third floor of a block of flats on Cranbrook Road in Ilford, east London. The London Fire Brigade’s 999 Control officers received the first alert at 19:24, mobilising crews from East Ham, Barking, Ilford, and Hainault fire stations; the fire was under control by 20:17.
Fortunately, no occupants suffered injuries during the episode, which the Brigade believes was accidental and caused by a stray firework. As reported in the official LFB incident update, a Brigade spokesperson stated:
“We encourage people to attend organised fireworks displays instead of using fireworks privately, but if you do choose to use fireworks, make sure you have enough space, buy them from a reputable, licensed seller and always look for a CE mark to make sure they’re safe. Never drink alcohol and set off fireworks and don’t throw fireworks or return to a firework once it has been lit.”
The spokesperson added:
“Remember that fireworks are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.”
The brigade reiterated its reminder that fireworks are literal explosive devices and must be treated with appropriate respect, especially as the city prepares for its London New Year Eve Fireworks and other seasonal displays later. This incident follows a busy weekend where firefighters dealt with 32 firework-related calls, underscoring the heightened risks during festive periods.
What Caused the Ilford Firework Incident?
The fire on Cranbrook Road in Ilford is believed to have started when a stray firework struck the third-floor cladding of the residential block, completely destroying the external material. As detailed by the London Fire Brigade in their 20 October 2025 incident report, the blaze was contained swiftly due to rapid response efforts, with no reported harm to residents inside.
Over the weekend prior to Diwali, the Brigade handled 32 such calls, highlighting a pattern of misuse as Halloween, Bonfire Night, and cultural fetes converge. Angelo Comparini, commander of Ilford fire station, recounted in coverage by Yahoo News, stating:
“We encourage Londoners to participate in organized displays instead of using fireworks at home. If you choose to have your own, purchase from a licensed vendor, adhere to the Fireworks Code, and ensure that fireworks are kept away from buildings, trees, animals, and individuals.”
Comparini further advised in the same report:
“Avoid igniting fireworks after consuming alcohol, and once lit, do not approach them. Allow them to cool before disposal, and above all, celebrate safely.”
In BBC News coverage by an unnamed correspondent on 31 October 2025, Comparini echoed:
“If you decide to host your own display, purchase from a licensed vendor, adhere to the Fireworks Code, and ensure that fireworks are kept at a safe distance from buildings, trees, pets, and individuals.”
Who Is Aroen Kishen and What Is His Story?
Aroen Kishen recounted the painful ordeal in which his wife, their three children, and two close family friends lost their lives in 2023 after a faulty firework engulfed their home in flames. As reported by BBC News on 17 October 2025, Aroen Kishen was enjoying Diwali festivities with his spouse Seema, children Riyan (11), Arohi (eight), and Shanaya (four), along with friends at their Hounslow home when flames consumed the building.
The London Fire Brigade indicated that the likely cause was a firework igniting flammable recycling materials stored in a bin adjacent to the house, with the origin of the firework remaining unknown. In a People magazine article dated 5 September 2025, details emerged from the inquest at West London Coroners Court on 29 August, where Senior Coroner Lydia Brown described the ‘heroic’ attempts of Aroen Kishen to tackle the blaze; he sustained burns before losing consciousness as the fire, starting outdoors, breached the exterior.
Paul Askew, Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the London Fire Brigade, stated in the same People coverage:
“On behalf of London Fire Brigade, I’d like to express my condolences to Mr Kishen and all those affected by this terrible tragedy. On what was meant to be a night of celebration to mark the beginning of Diwali, a tragic accident occurred.”
Aroen Kishen himself warned in the LFB’s October update:
“I want the public to think about those around them before using fireworks. Fireworks aren’t a game and it’s not a movie; it’s real life. Listen to my story and celebrate with your family, at a party or at your place of worship. If you use fireworks, you could lose everything.”
The victims were identified as Seema Ratra (47), Riyan (11), Arohi (8), Shanaya (4), Nitin Chopra (28), and Sandhaya Chopra (20), per LFB details shared in People.
How Is Redbridge Council Responding to Fireworks Risks?
In the hope of safe bonfire events and cultural fetes, Redbridge Council, working jointly with firefighters, conducted proactive safety visits to several high-rise buildings and hosted a useful public-awareness session at Ilford Station. As covered in the eticketing.co blog on 28 November 2025, these efforts target risks ahead of Guy Fawkes Night and the London New Year Eve Fireworks.
Saima Ahmed, the cabinet member responsible for housing and homelessness, remarked in BBC News on 31 October 2025:
“Fireworks can be enchanting, but they also pose significant risks.”
She cautioned:
“This practice [launching fireworks from balconies] is extremely hazardous and has resulted in severe accidents. Let’s strive to ensure that this year’s celebrations are enjoyable, safe, and inclusive for all.”
Londoners urged to take care with fireworks, per the Yahoo News headline on 31 October 2025, aligns with council visits as Halloween, Bonfire Night, and festivities loom.
Why Attend Professional Displays Like London New Year Eve Fireworks?
Ilford’s fire station commander Angelo Comparini emphasized:
“We are urging Londoners to attend professionally organized displays such as the London New Year Eve Fireworks, instead of launching fireworks from their own homes. Public shows are significantly safer and greatly reduce the risk of accidents.”
This call, from the eticketing.co blog, promotes events along the River Thames with various ticket packages available via platforms like eticketing.co and xchangetickets.com.
The Brigade’s safety advice, reiterated across sources, stresses organised events minimise stray firework dangers seen in Ilford. With tickets for London Fireworks 2025 promoting views from the London Eye to Westminster Bridge, early booking secures spots for the 2026 celebration.
What Are the Broader Safety Guidelines for Fireworks?
Fireworks for private use must come from registered retailers during permitted dates, illegal to set off between 11pm and 7am except extended to midnight on Guy Fawkes Night, per historical Newham guidance echoed in current warnings. LFB advises lighting one at a time on the ground, waiting 30 minutes for duds, and soaking them, drawing from global tips but localised to London risks.
Council and fire efforts aim to prevent repeats of Ilford and Kishen tragedies, promoting respect for explosives amid seasonal peaks. As bonfire festivities stretch through weekends, East London prioritises community safety
