Guy Fawkes Strikes Again!

Ah, remember the good old days, celebrating Guy Fawkes Night with a bonfire, a few crackers, some sparklers and the odd penny rocket? Sadly almost all gone now in these days of Occupational Health & Safety regulated existence, or so it would seem... but some ‘enterprising’ children down in Dudley, West Midlands had other ideas.

These bright little sparks set off some fireworks INSIDE a disused garden shed, what they were thinking we’ll never know but the result was a brief but spectacular bonfire of somewhat grander proportions than they had ever imagined. Local resident and photographer Ilona Bryan was on hand to capture these dramatic images.

Ilona said, “The irony was I had been to a public fireworks display in Sefton Park, Liverpool the night before and very surprised to find no bonfire... I guess health and safety regulations (plus costs) are taking the ‘fun’ out of yet another traditional event. Like so many other closet arsonists, I enjoy a good bonfire if it's well supervised, although I have mixed feelings about the "guy" (Guy Fawkes) aspect. Little did I know I would have my very own fire the next day back home!”

An old gentleman in his 80's had lived in the house all his life and recently moved out. Ilona can remember him painting his window frames a couple of years back and saying he thought it would be the last time he'd have to do it. Sadly, he was right. The house had been sold, and was presently unoccupied, but a good deal of the former owner’s belongings were still in the shed - probably including old cans of paint from the window frames exercise!

It was quite an intense fire completely destroying the shed and all its contents. Quick action by local residents followed by the efforts of the local fire authority restricted damage to the shed, the retaining wall and patio foundations adjacent. Fortunately nothing else fell victim including the little fire starters themselves.

All first hand information supplied by Ilona Bryan.
All photographs Copyright © 2007 Ilona Bryan.