More than 30 tonnes of fireworks seized in Halifax and Bradford
More than 30 tonnes of fireworks have been seized across Halifax and Bradford in a multi-agency operation.
The activity began following an inspection by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) at two premises on Darley Street in Bradford in October.
Fireworks were subsequently seized from those locations while enquiries continued.
The enquiries led officers from WYFRS, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and West Yorkshire Police (WYP) to additional locations in Bradford and Calderdale, where further quantities of fireworks were identified, seized, and removed to safeguard the public.
The work to establish the exact quantities of fireworks involved, the circumstances in which they were being stored and non-compliance with relevant legal requirements remains ongoing.
WYFRS said the fireworks recovered so far have been assessed as possessing an explosive content of more than 5.5 tonnes.
Following the seizures on Darley Street, WYP with the support of Bradford Council applied to Bradford Magistrates’ Court for a 48 hour closure order on premises used and or operated by Big Shotter Fireworks Ltd.
That order was granted and later extended to November 12, 2026.
The closure order will remain in place pending further consideration by the courts.
Christopher Kemp, Senior Fire Protection Manager at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fireworks are explosives and there are strict controls around how and where they can be stored.
“Those controls exist to protect businesses, employees and, importantly, the wider public.
“Our priority throughout this activity has been public safety.
“Working alongside HSE and West Yorkshire Police, we have removed unprecedented quantities of fireworks from a number of locations while our enquiries continue.
“This is a complex operation involving a number of locations and different regulatory responsibilities.
“Our investigations remain ongoing and it would therefore be inappropriate to speculate about its outcome or any enforcement action that may follow.
“I would like to thank our colleagues at HSE and West Yorkshire Police for the considerable support they have provided throughout this work.”
Martyn Sime, Chief Inspector of Explosives for the Health and Safety Executive, said: “The Health and Safety Executive has been working closely with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in relation to the safe storage of fireworks identified during this ongoing activity.
“Explosives, including fireworks, must be stored safely and in accordance with the relevant legal requirements.
“Our immediate priority has been to work with partners to manage any risks identified and ensure the safe handling and storage of the fireworks concerned.”