Trading Standards issue safety advice in the run-up to bonfire and firework night.
TRADING Standards officers are warning people to be aware of the dangers of storing fireworks in unsafe conditions.
The team at North East Lincolnshire Council is urging residents to report incidents of fireworks being sold illegally or kept in unsafe conditions to the Citizens Advice Line on 0845 04 05 06.
Neil Clark, community protection manager, said that a rapid response team are on standby during the firework period to deal with any incidents that are reported to the service.
He said: "These fireworks are not toys, and should not be treated as such. This incident highlights the misconceptions people still seem to have with firework safety.
"They are explosives which, if not stored safely and legally, could place the public in great danger."
People who sell illegal fireworks, which do not comply with British Standards guidelines, face a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison. Illegal storage may also invalidate your property or motor insurance.
Mr Clark added his service is backing Safer and Stronger Communities seasonal campaign to stamp out illegal bonfires and reduce anti-social behaviour during the build-up to bonfire night Monday, November 5.
Trading standards are also warning the public not to buy from unlicensed traders who sell fireworks from the back of their vehicles.
All retailers of fireworks are required to register with the local authority and carry out a risk assessment to ensure the safe storage of fireworks and the safety of neighbouring properties and nearby residents.
The warning comes just days after an explosion in a fireworks factory in India killed 33 people.
Mr Clark added: "Trading standards take a very dim view of anyone who sells fireworks unlawfully, the requirements are there to ensure the safety of members of the public and also to ensure fireworks are not sold to persons under the age of 18.
"Often fireworks sold by the ‘white van man’ are either stolen or do not meet British safety standards and as such should be avoided. I would urge anybody who has seen fireworks being sold from vehicles or domestic premises to report it to Consumer Direct immediately.
"If we cannot identify who is selling fireworks then it will be impossible to control who the fireworks are being sold to. Often fireworks are used as missiles by a minority of young people much to the fear of other member of the community.
"Recent amendments to explosives legislation have given officers extensive powers to deal with these offenders. We are also working very closely with colleagues in the Police and Fire Service so that a quick response can be given once intelligence is received.
"Anyone who chooses to ignore this warning can expect to be dealt with very firmly, not only will all fireworks be seized but they may also be prosecuted and receive up to a £5,000 fine, six months in prison or both."