Warwick blaze turned out to be bonfire - but emergency services say caution is the best approach

But emergency services are nonetheless urging people to be cautious after young people were reported letting off fireworks in gardens in Barford last week.

A fire engine from Leamington was called to a garden fire in Beauchamp Road, Warwick shortly before 5.20pm last Thursday, but on arrival firefighters were told the fire was a bonfire.

Police added homes in Westham Lane, Barford to their patrols over the Bonfire Night period after a householder reported young people letting off fireworks in her garden and the garden next door on the evening of October 31.

West Midlands Ambulance Service emergency operations centre commander Adrian Gibson said: “Fireworks can be fun but they can also seriously injure or even kill - they are explosives after all.

“The injuries caused by fireworks can have a lifelong impact on an individual’s health and can particularly have severe consequences for children.”

Police are reminding the public of the following advice:-

It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age. There is a maximum penalty of £5,000 and six months in prison.

It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, extended to midnight on November 5.

It is illegal for a member of the public to possess a ‘display style’ firework – such category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.

It is illegal to let off any firework in a public place and this carries a fine of up to £5,000. Police may also issue an £80 fixed penalty notice.

All fireworks sold to the public must comply to British Safety Standard BS 7114.

The police have the power to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying fireworks.

The sale of bangers, mini rockets and fireworks that fly erratically such as squibs and helicopters, aerial shells and maroons is illegal.

Fireworks can only be stored for private use for up to 14 days, subject to them being stored in a safe place.

It is illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to animals with fireworks. There is a maximum penalty £5,000 with up to six months in prison.