SCRAP metal fires are wasting the valuable resources of firefighters according to a senior officer.

Crews from Farnworth were called to two incidents this morning where people had been burning plastic insulation off valuable copper wiring so it can be sold for cash.

Watch manager Bill Edwards said: "This is a problem all over the borough because of the growing value of scrap metal.

"It wastes our time and ties up the fire engines when someone could really need our help."

The first incident was at Farnworth Park, on the corner of Market Street and Park View, at 2am. The second call-out was to Old Lane in Little Hulton at 8.10am.

Mr Edwards added: "It produces a thick black smoke and when it is reported to us people often think it is at a house on fire or people are trapped so we send more than one engine out."

The police are investigating every incident as part of an operation targeting thieves who are stealing copper and lead from commercial buildings and houses.