LEIGH firefighters are fully behind Greater Manchester County Fire Service's campaign to stamp out firework-related incidents in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Warnings have been issued about the dangers of playing with display fireworks following a recent incident in which firefighters thought a car had been bombed due to the severity of the destruction, only to discover a stolen display firework had been attached and detonated.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said: "The consequences, should a member of the public have been passing when this incident occurred, are too frightening to think about.

Public displays

"These fireworks should only be used in a controlled environment at public displays and it is important that registered owners of such fireworks ensure they are locked away in an appropriate cupboard or container. Should one of these fireworks fall into the wrong hands and hit somebody there is a real possibility someone would be seriously injured or killed."

Last year 1362 people across the country were injured by fireworks and bonfire-related incidents were up to 1177 from 249 in 2000 -- a 373 per cent increase.

Wigan was the busiest borough outside Manchester, dealing with 178 bonfire-related incidents, Leigh fire station attended 28 of those. After only attending one firework-related incident last year Leigh firefighters are hoping they won't be attending any this year.

Leigh Station Officer, Chris Ward said: "We know bonfire-related incidents are inevitable, but firework injuries are unnecessary. We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, we just want people, especially children, to stay safe by following the firework code."

Safety experts advice

attend organised bonfires

light sparklers singly and wear gloves

keep fireworks in a closed metal box

follow individual firework instructions

stand well back from fireworks

do not return after a firework has been lit

never throw fireworks

keep pets indoors

stick to the bonfire and firework dress code -- wear natural fibre clothing, a hooded jacket, scarf and gloves, trousers outside shoes and closed pocket flaps

if your clothes do catch fire "Stop, Drop and Roll" -- stop what you are doing, drop to the floor and roll over continuously to smother the flames.