A man who lost his wife and three children in a house fire in west London, which is believed to have been triggered by a firework, has expressed that that fateful night “shattered my life.”

Aroen Kishen was observing Diwali with his wife, Seema, their children—Riyan, 11, Arohi, eight, and Shanaya, four—and friends at their Hounslow residence when the property was consumed by flames.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) suspects that the fire ignited after a firework set off combustible materials in a recycling bin adjacent to the house. The origin of the firework remains unknown.

Approaching two years since that tragedy, and with Diwali approaching again, Mr. Kishen cautioned, “if you choose to use fireworks, everything you hold dear could be at risk.”

“That evening, I lost my beloved wife Seema, our three children Riyan, Arohi, Shanaya, and two family friends, Nitin and Sandhaya (Chopra),” Mr. Kishen recounted.

“I often wish they were still here because that night irrevocably altered my life.”

Reflecting on that day, Mr. Kishen shared, “Diwali in 2023 began like any other day with my family.

“In the afternoon, we prayed together at home before heading to the gurdwara in Southall for a visit with some relatives nearby. We enjoyed dinner together and got the kids ready for bed for school the following day.

“Then, not long after, I noticed the fire. I attempted to ascend the stairs to rescue my family, but I lost consciousness. What happened after that is a blur. When I regained consciousness, the entire house was ablaze.”

On November 12, 2023, around 70 firefighters battled the flames, which spread from the ground floor to the roof, leading to the partial collapse of the internal staircase.

Mr. Kishen implored others to consider the impact of fireworks on those around them, emphasizing that they “aren’t just fun.”

The grieving father stated, “I want the public to think about the people in their vicinity before igniting fireworks.

“Fireworks aren’t playthings; this isn’t a film—it’s reality.

“Take heed of my tale and celebrate with loved ones, whether at a gathering or in your place of worship. Using fireworks could mean losing everything.”

This incident occurred during what the LFB recorded as its busiest Diwali period since 2010.

During that 24-hour timeframe, the brigade received 710 emergency calls and managed 17 incidents related to fireworks.

Paul Askew, deputy assistant commissioner of the brigade, remarked, “This tragic event underlines the dangers associated with fireworks that we are all too aware of.

“We’re encouraging Londoners to heed Mr. Kishen’s experience and consider attending a safer, organized fireworks display this year.”

He stressed the importance of purchasing fireworks from reputable sellers with a CE safety mark and ensuring they are properly secured in the ground, well away from buildings, trees, and animals.

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