The fireworks company behind a major 2022 blaze at Black Barn in Boxford - which forced the temporary closure of part of the M4 - has been found guilty of unsafe storage.
West Berkshire Council criticised the low fines, after the judge accepted the company was about to cease trading.
Following a Trading Standards investigation, Terence Herbert and FFXAP Limited were convicted at Reading Crown Court of offences under the Explosives Regulations 2014 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The fire began in an unlicensed explosives store at Black Barn on a farm at Westbrook. The compound was engulfed and many marine pyrotechnics were ignited and propelled across the area, including towards the motorway.
Investigators found explosives and pyrotechnic materials were being stored without the required licence, and identified other failures in safe storage and management of explosive materials.
At sentencing (concluded 1 October 2026) FFXAP Limited was fined £4,800 for failing to ensure substances on the premises were safe and without risk to health, and a further £4,800 for storing explosives without a licence. The company must also pay £1,000 towards prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £190.
Terence Herbert of Andover was convicted personally under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and fined £350 for each offence, plus a £70 victim surcharge. The court accepted evidence the company is on the verge of ceasing trading and that Mr Herbert faces significant personal and financial hardship.
Tom McCann, Executive Member with responsibility for Public Protection at West Berkshire Council, said: "This prosecution arose from a serious incident involving the storage of explosive materials, which resulted in a major emergency response and the temporary closure of part of the M4. We welcome the Court's finding that offences were committed and its recognition that important safety requirements had not been met.
"Whilst we respect the Court's decision, we are disappointed that the penalties imposed and the costs awarded do not fully reflect the significant time, expertise and public resources required to investigate and prosecute a complex case of this nature.
"This was a lengthy and resource-intensive investigation involving multiple agencies over several years, following an incident that required a substantial emergency response and caused significant disruption to the wider public.
"The storage and handling of explosives is subject to strict legal controls for very good reason. These controls are designed to protect employees, emergency responders and the wider public from the potentially devastating consequences of fire and explosion. We will continue to take appropriate enforcement action where serious breaches of legislation are identified."
The Public Protection Partnership is the shared service delivering Environmental Health, Licensing and Trading Standards on behalf of Bracknell Forest Council and West Berkshire Council.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
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