FIREFIGHTERS have warned about the dangers of fireworks after youths almost sparked a massive blaze.

Two crews were called out to Poplar Street, Blackburn, today when a firework got lodged in the roof a general store causing a small fire.

John Price, owner of John's Cut Price store, spotted the fire as he opened the shop and firefighters were on the scene within minutes.

Leading firefighter Dave Hilliard said the small fire was quickly dealt with but the consequences could have been much more severe.

He said: "It was by luck the shop owner was getting to his premises at that time. By the time we arrived the fire was just starting to take hold of the dry timbers in the roof. If it had been only five minutes later the whole roof would have been well alight.

"This just highlights the dangers of fireworks. Youths should not be playing with them and shops should not be selling them."

Mr Hilliard believed youngsters were responsible, although did not think their intentions were to start a fire.

He said the device was let off outside the shop just after 8.30am and part of it got stuck on the roof when it exploded.

Mr Price, who has owned the store for 22 years, said: "I noticed the smoke straight away and thought it was something inside the shop. It was a lucky escape that I came along when I did otherwise the whole shop could have gone up. Fireworks should be banned."

Mr Hilliard said crews had been plagued by incidents involving fireworks and bonfires.

Last night Blackburn crews were called out to nine separate incidents throughout the town - two of which were caused by fireworks.

Mr Hilliard said: "It is a big problem and youths are putting their own lives at risk and that of other members of the public. Bonfires are a nuisance and people should only go to properly organised events."

A firework was placed in a bin at London Road, sparking a blaze, and one was pushed through a the letterbox at a youth club in Manxman Road, setting off the fire alarm.