Fireworks go with a bang

8:16pm Tuesday 7th October 2008

A TONNE of fireworks went up in smoke as fire crews set a secret bonfire to dispose of dangerous explosives.

Over the past year, as part of the annual fireworks amnesty, Greater Manchester Fire Service has been collecting unwanted and illegal fireworks.

And today, at an undisclosed location in Bury, it destroyed them.

In the past 12 months, the fire service in Greater Manchester has attended 731 fires linked to bonfires and 58 other incidents related to fireworks.

A hotline has been set up for members of the public who want to dispose of fireworks. It is illegal to dispose of fireworks in household bins or at council tips.

Assistant County Fire Officer Steve Beckley said: “We will collect and destroy any fireworks that the public are concerned about.”

Call the hotline on 0800 634 0880.