Burnley police issue warning after helium canister found in bonfire

Officers, along with Burnley Borough Council, attended the Cog Lane area earlier today following reports of a makeshift bonfire.

Upon dismantling the bonfire, which had not been lit, officers discovered the blue canister marked 'balloon tank'.

A police spokesman said: "The impact of this could have been devastating should the fire have been lit.

"Please consider unauthorised bonfires may contain items that would place lives at risk."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is hosting a family-oriented digital firework display in lieu of the usual physical firework displays cancelled due to coronavirus.

Members of the public will be able to watch our display on Facebook Live, starting at 6-30pm on Bonfire Night tomorrow.

The video feed will last approximately 30 minutes and can be viewed on the Lancashire Fire Facebook page.

A large firework display and bonfire will feature as well as demonstrations from Rue the fire investigation dog and Sidney the search and rescue dog, and an interview with an on-call firefighter.

There will then be a virtual tour of a fire engine, followed by a bedtime story read by Burnley firefighter Lee Clough, who has previously read two bedtime stories during the lockdown earlier this year.

Community protection manager Liam Wilson, for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We know that many people have found 2020 a challenge and that some will want to use fireworks and bonfires as a way to cheer their kids up. However, children unfortunately account for the majority of the firework injuries we see every year.

"To protect your family, please consider watching our online digital display with them rather than setting off your own fireworks at home. It’s also a great chance to see a fire engine up close, hear safety tips, see our fire dogs in action, and listen to another bedtime story from Cloughy.”

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said: “We know that this year Bonfire Night will be very different and without the usual organised displays to attend, more people will be thinking about celebrating at home.

"While we’re always here for you in an emergency, you can help us to help you by making sure you enjoy Bonfire Night safely.

"The digital firework display by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service sounds like great fun and is the perfect way for families to safely enjoy the evening from the comfort of their own home.”