We are urging Londoners to take care in the run up to Bonfire Night as the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced strike action in the days before the annual celebration.
The 47th FBU strike relating to its ongoing dispute with the government over changes to firefighter pensions will last four days.
• Strike starts 1800 on Friday, 31 October 2014
• Strike ends 1800 on Tuesday, 4 November 2014
We will again put in place a contingency service to cover the entire period but the Brigade is urging Londoners to be careful.
Find out where you can see an organised fireworks display near you.
London fireworks display map
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said:
“We will have our contingency service in place to respond to emergencies as in previous strikes, but I would much rather have the full fire and rescue service provided by our staff, professional London firefighters. There will be twenty seven fire engines available across London but we will not be providing our usual service so people must take steps to prevent fires.
“Just last week, a stray firework caused a fire on scaffolding around a house in Brompton and on Saturday a firework was the suspected cause of a blaze that destroyed the balcony of a flat in Stratford. These incidents show how dangerous fireworks can be.
“I ask that you attend an organised firework show but if you are arranging your own display please carefully follow our fireworks code.
“I hope that the government and FBU are able to resolve this dispute soon in order that the Brigade can return to business as usual."
We'd always recommend that you attend an organised fireworks display, but if you're are planning to have a fireworks party of your own make sure you know how to stay safe.