Aroen Krishen lost his wife, three children and two family friends when a firework ignited recycling waste next to their home in 2023.

The origin of the firework was never discovered.

Mr Krishen says he tried to help his family and friends out of the house but lost consciousness before he could get help.

Their deaths were ruled accidental, and Mr Krishen is urging people to only attend organised displays.

It’s a sentiment echoed by London Fire Brigade which is also raising awareness ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Mr Kishen said: “Diwali in 2023 started as a normal day with my family. In the afternoon we prayed at home together, then we went to the gurdwara in Southall and visited with some family nearby. We all had dinner together and put the children to bed ready for school the next day.

“Shortly after that, I saw the fire. I tried to go upstairs to help my family, but I lost consciousness. I don’t know what happened after that. When I woke up, the whole house was on fire.

“That night, I lost my wife Seema, our three children Riyan, Arohi, Shanaya, and two family friends, Nitin and Sandhaya. I wish they were still alive because what happened that night destroyed my life.

“I want the public to think about those around them before using fireworks. Fireworks aren’t a game and it’s not a movie; it’s real life. Listen to my story and celebrate with your family, at a party or at your place of worship. If you use fireworks, you could lose everything.”

Earlier this year, an inquest found that Mr Kishen was “heroic”, attempting to tackle the fire and sustaining burns before losing consciousness. When he regained consciousness, the fire had spread. When firefighters arrived, a breathing apparatus crew were able to reach the first floor but were forced to retreat due to the severity of the fire. A second crew then attempted but faced similar issues and, as crews retreated downstairs, the internal staircase partially collapsed.

The fire occurred during the Brigade’s busiest Diwali since 2010. Over the 24-hour period, Control Officers took 710 emergency calls and handled 17 firework-related calls and incidents.

The Brigade received the first emergency call about the fire on the night of 12 November 2023 at 10.26pm.

The first fire engine was on the scene within five minutes, arriving to a fully developed house fire.

Around 70 firefighters dealt with the fire during its initial stages, with the fire spreading through the ground and first floors of the house as well as the roof.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Paul Askew said: “On behalf of London Fire Brigade, I’d like to express my condolences to Mr Kishen and all of those affected by this terrible tragedy.

“On what was meant to be a night of celebration to mark the beginning of Diwali, a tragic accident occurred.
“I’d like to thank in particular the bravery of the initial crews on scene, who were faced with a devastating house fire.

“This incident sadly highlights the dangers that we know exist with fireworks. We’re urging Londoners to listen to Mr Kishen’s story and follow our advice by attending a safer, organised fireworks display this year.
“If you are going to host your own display, it’s important to ensure you are buying safe fireworks from a reputable, licensed seller with a CE safety mark. Secure them properly in the ground, and keep them far away from buildings, trees, animals and people.

“Always follow the Fireworks Code and remember there are strict laws around when you can purchase and use fireworks. Never set them off if you’ve been drinking alcohol and once a firework is lit, never go back to it.

“Disposing of fireworks safely is just as important as using them correctly. Allow fireworks to cool properly before throwing them away.

“As we approach Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night, we wish everyone a safe fireworks season.”