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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Thomas George

Firefighters called to nuisance blazes at parks as teenage yobs continue to waste their time

Fire chiefs say teenage jobs are continuing to waste crews' 'valuable time' after they responded to more reports of nuisance blazes.

Crews were first called to Openshaw Park, in Bury, at about 5.30pm on Wednesday to reports a group of youths had started a fire on a basketball court.

Around 90 minutes later, they were then called to Clarence Park, in Bury, where youngsters had been seen starting a fire in the woods before running off.

When firefighters attended, they found a wheelie bin on fire, and managed to put it out.

And in Bolton, firefighters attended a commercial wheelie bin fire in Victoria Road, Horwich, at about 9pm.

The fire was also believed to have been started deliberately by youths.

The latest incidents come a day after fire chiefs asked parents if they knew where there children were.

General view of Clarence Park, in Bury (Manchester Evening News)

The warning was issued after a bottle was thrown at firefighters as they tried to put out a fire in a park in Limeside Park, Oldham, on Tuesday afternoon.

A fire engine was hit by the thrown missile, but thankfully neither the crew or pump were damaged.

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Crews were also called twice in two hours to the same mill in Butts Street, Leigh, to deal with fires.

Both were started deliberately - one reportedly by kids.

GMFRS's head of Prevention, Damian O’Rourke, warned such incidents put other people at risk as they potentially take firefighters away from real emergencies.

"Dealing with nuisance fires and anti-social behaviour takes firefighters away from potentially more serious incidents where lives could be at risk in the same community," he said.

"We do see a rise in incidents of this nature as the dark nights set in and as part of our annual Halloween and Bonfire Night campaign, Treacle, I would urge people to think carefully about their actions as behaviour like this can have major consequences."

Area manager O’Rourke added: "I would urge all parents to make sure you know where your children are and to talk to them about the dangers of starting fires and playing with fireworks.

"If you do encounter a fire or any other emergency, please call 999 immediately."

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