Firefighters in Cheshire are urging people to stay safe this Bonfire Night and if possible go to an organised event in a bid to keep people and property safe.

This is the busiest time for crews at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who are continually called to attend deliberate, nuisance and dangerously lit fires around 5 November.

However, their time is precious, and could be needed at a more serious incident where someone's life or home is at risk, so they are urging people to think twice before they light a bonfire or have a firework display in their own garden this year.

Station Manager Andy Gray is the Deliberate Fire Reduction Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He is concerned that people may underestimate how quickly fires can escalate out of control and how unpredictable fireworks can be in a garden.

He said: "Starting any fire can be extremely dangerous and may lead to disastrous consequences.

"We don't want to spoil anyone's fun this year, but we have a responsibility to ensure that we promote the issues that our firefighters regularly face around this time of year in a bid to keep people and their property safe.

"Our message is clear – please do not set light to anything or set off your own fireworks this year. Instead, go to an organised professional display. Not only are they great fun, but they are much safer for you and your family."

Firefighters will be working closely with police and local authorities in the run up to Bonfire Night, to help keep the number of incidents as low as possible, so if anyone spots a build-up of rubbish on public land, intended to be used as a bonfire, they need to report it to their local council immediately using the relevant number.

• In Cheshire East report unlit dangerous bonfires by calling 0300 123 5011

Wheelie bins are also a real hazard and an easy target for people to set fire to, if left outside properties, and could be involved in a deliberately set fire.

Please only put your bins out on collection day and always keep them stored away securely at all other times.

Andy added: "We do understand that people will want to celebrate Bonfire Night, but I would hope that this year they follow our advice and consider attending an official bonfire instead.

"If they can't do this then I would seriously urge them to take extra care and think about friends and families safety first, before enjoyment."

The Service has provided this advice for anyone considering using fireworks in a bid to help keep everyone as safe as possible:

• Stand well back
• Keep pets indoors
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Only buy fireworks that are CE marked
• Light at arm's length, using a taper
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Never go near a firework that has been lit - even if it hasn't gone off it could still explode
• Pour water on the embers before leaving

Fireworks must not be bought or used by anyone under the age of 18 and fireworks must have the CE safety mark printed on them.

They also frighten animals and people inside their homes so this should also be taken into consideration before they are used.