‘Incredibly inconsiderate’ fireworks set off in Watford as council warns of national wildfire risk

Fireworks have been reported in Watford early this morning, as the council urges residents not to set them off amid a national wildfire risk.

The fireworks were heard in North Watford in the early hours of Friday 21 August, with several residents being awoken by the loud bangs. 

Watford Borough Council has reminded residents of the current dangers of using fireworks due to the heightened risk of wildfires, just a week after the government issued a nationwide emergency alert.

The ‘severe alert’ issued by phone on Friday 14 August, warned people against using disposable barbecues, fireworks and naked flames. 

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Not only is it incredibly inconsiderate to be setting off fireworks in the middle of the night, it’s also particularly dangerous to do so given how dry vegetation currently is.

“Thank you to residents who helped us identify where the fireworks were set off and to the Community Safety team and Police who are now following up on the incident.”

In the UK, fireworks can only be set off between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm, with the exceptions of Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali. 

Watford Borough Council has said any further incidents of anti-social behaviour like this should be reported to Hertfordshire Police. 

The council has identified the suspects and is working with Hertfordshire Police to decide the next steps following the incident in North Watford.