A GANG of teenagers caused explosions when they threw aerosol cans on a bonfire just yards from a row of houses today.

Eight metres of fencing at the back of houses in Helvellyn Drive, Burnley, was destroyed and grass and trees were damaged.

The children, said by neighbours to be in their early teens, had set up a makeshift ‘camp’ in the clearing, but had fled by the time firefighters arrived at 3.45pm.

Police are investigating.

Crew manager Mark Hammond warned of the dangers of starting outdoor fires, particularly in the recent warm weather and school holidays.

He said: “It was potentially a very serious fire, and was spreading rapidly.

"The aerosols had exploded and the fire had destroyed a fence so we had to get the police up.

“Obviously fires like this can quite easily get out of control, which is possibly what happened in this case.

“Aerosols were thrown on the fire, and they explode with some considerable force.

"There was certainly a danger of the youngsters harming themselves.”

Chairs and tables had been left at the scene, along with a ‘makeshift structure’, Mr Hammond said.

He said: “They had obviously been there for a while.

“I appreciate youngsters might want to camp. But it’s got to be done the correct way, with proper supervision.”

The crew managed to beat down the flames and used a hole reel.