WYRE Forest has been revealed as one of the region's hotspots for Bonfire Night emergencies - as fire chiefs urge residents to consider giving fireworks and bonfires a miss this year.

Hereford & Worcester Fire Service (HWFRS) has been called out to 250 November 5 incidents in the past decade - and average of 25 per Bonfire Night - with Wyre Forest one of the worst offending areas.

These included nearly 80 fires, more than 100 false alarms and over 40 non-fire incidents needing help with Wyre Forest, Worcester, Hereford, Bromsgrove and Redditch the busiest stations for call-outs.

As a result, HWFRS is urging people to be extra cautious about having celebrations at home this year and consider foregoing them even though publicly organised firework shows have been cancelled.

Station Commander Steve Andrews of the HWFRS Community Risk department said: “We would normally encourage people to go to an organised event but that isn’t possible this year.

“We’re suggesting people give it a miss this year but if you’re holding your own bonfire parties and get-togethers, we want to remind you of some simple firework and bonfire safety tips to help avoid injury or any damage to your property.

“We want everyone to enjoy their firework celebrations safely and without causing inconvenience to others, so please remember our top tips for an enjoyable and accident-free evening.”

Among the tips for firework safety are to only buy fireworks marked with British Standard Kitemark BS 7114, and from a reputable supplier.

HWFRS also recommends avoiding consuming alcohol and to always follow the instructions on the box carefully, lighting fireworks at arm’s length with a taper and standing well back.

Naked flames, such as cigarettes, should be kept away from fireworks, while you should never go back to fireworks once they are lit, and do not throw them or put them in your pockets.

Fireworks should be put in a bucket of water after use and pets should be kept indoors while children should be supervised with no sparklers given to children under the age of five.

In regards to bonfires, they should not be started by using flammable liquids and should be kept well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences, hedges and overhanging branches.

Bonfires should be kept to a manageable size, never left unattended and hazardous items such as aerosols and fireworks should not be thrown on to them.