Fireworks are being kept across Brighton and Hove in storage containers which can "go off like bombs", it has been claimed.
A concerned councillor has called for an investigation into three sites licensed to store fireworks in and around the city - at Moulsecoomb Way, Hollingbury and Devil's Dyke.
Councillor Brian Fitch, who is a member of the East Sussex Fire Authority, said he had seen evidence since the Shortgate disaster which suggested containers similar to the one at the centre of the third devastating blast are no longer safe to store fireworks.
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East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service support officer Brian Wembridge and retained firefighter Geoff Wicker both died in the blaze at Festival Fireworks UK in Shortgate, near Lewes.
The tragedy began at 1.50pm on December 3 when two small explosions started a fire at the warehouse. Almost an hour later, when firefighters, police and paramedics were on the scene, the third explosion occurred, killing Mr Wembridge, 63, and Mr Wicker, 49.
Blasts from the third explosion were felt more than ten miles away and the mushroom cloud of smoke was also seen from afar.
Coun Fitch yesterday called for a full investigation into the sites and their suitability to store fireworks in the wake of the tragedy.
He said: "I have seen research footage of these containers being exploded and it is extremely frightening. They get hot inside and go off like bombs.
"Until the explosion at Marley Farm we were unaware of how dangerous the containers can be. If we had known the deadly potential of these things in the right circumstances, we may not have tragically lost two lives and millions of pounds worth of equipment.
That is a matter for the inquiry but it is vital we take steps now in light of what we have seen to ensure more lives aren't put in danger.
"I'm calling for a full investigation into any premises licensed to store fireworks in Brighton and Hove and beyond to ensure the same containers are not being used.
"Having seen the death and devastation one of these containers can bring exploding in a relatively open space, it does not bear thinking about should a similar explosion happen in a built-up area of the city."
Coun Fitch also said he was staggered to hear the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was under no legal obligation to inform the fire service of their findings after inspections.
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: "The safety of the public is at the forefront of everything we do.
There are stringent regulations in place to govern any premises which stores fireworks to ensure it is safe."
Speaking at a meeting of the East Sussex Fire Authority in Eastbourne yesterday, chief fire officer Des Prichard said: "We are always in contact with Trading Standards and the HSE and we need to ensure there is good communication between these bodies and that all relevant information is shared."
Mr Prichard revealed at the meeting that nine pumps, three specialist appliances and several cars damaged in the blasts have been written off by insurers at a £2million shortfall to the fire service.
He also paid tribute to fire service staff and told members Mr Wicker's wife Heather and two daughters attended an emotional ceremony this week to collect the 30-year service medal Geoff would have received.
An investigation is ongoing in the blaze and explosions and could take years to complete.
8:08am Friday 19th January 2007
A concerned councillor has called for an investigation into three sites licensed to store fireworks in and around the city - at Moulsecoomb Way, Hollingbury and Devil's Dyke.
Councillor Brian Fitch, who is a member of the East Sussex Fire Authority, said he had seen evidence since the Shortgate disaster which suggested containers similar to the one at the centre of the third devastating blast are no longer safe to store fireworks.
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East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service support officer Brian Wembridge and retained firefighter Geoff Wicker both died in the blaze at Festival Fireworks UK in Shortgate, near Lewes.
The tragedy began at 1.50pm on December 3 when two small explosions started a fire at the warehouse. Almost an hour later, when firefighters, police and paramedics were on the scene, the third explosion occurred, killing Mr Wembridge, 63, and Mr Wicker, 49.
Blasts from the third explosion were felt more than ten miles away and the mushroom cloud of smoke was also seen from afar.
Coun Fitch yesterday called for a full investigation into the sites and their suitability to store fireworks in the wake of the tragedy.
He said: "I have seen research footage of these containers being exploded and it is extremely frightening. They get hot inside and go off like bombs.
"Until the explosion at Marley Farm we were unaware of how dangerous the containers can be. If we had known the deadly potential of these things in the right circumstances, we may not have tragically lost two lives and millions of pounds worth of equipment.
That is a matter for the inquiry but it is vital we take steps now in light of what we have seen to ensure more lives aren't put in danger.
"I'm calling for a full investigation into any premises licensed to store fireworks in Brighton and Hove and beyond to ensure the same containers are not being used.
"Having seen the death and devastation one of these containers can bring exploding in a relatively open space, it does not bear thinking about should a similar explosion happen in a built-up area of the city."
Coun Fitch also said he was staggered to hear the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was under no legal obligation to inform the fire service of their findings after inspections.
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: "The safety of the public is at the forefront of everything we do.
There are stringent regulations in place to govern any premises which stores fireworks to ensure it is safe."
Speaking at a meeting of the East Sussex Fire Authority in Eastbourne yesterday, chief fire officer Des Prichard said: "We are always in contact with Trading Standards and the HSE and we need to ensure there is good communication between these bodies and that all relevant information is shared."
Mr Prichard revealed at the meeting that nine pumps, three specialist appliances and several cars damaged in the blasts have been written off by insurers at a £2million shortfall to the fire service.
He also paid tribute to fire service staff and told members Mr Wicker's wife Heather and two daughters attended an emotional ceremony this week to collect the 30-year service medal Geoff would have received.
An investigation is ongoing in the blaze and explosions and could take years to complete.
8:08am Friday 19th January 2007
