DON'T drink and detonate was the warning from Lancashire fire brigade this week as they warned bonfire night revellers to stay away from alcohol.

"The organiser of any private bonfire should be a responsible adult and they should not have a drink," said John Taylor, press officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

"Fireworks and alcohol do not mix. If someone is in charge and they get blotto they are not in a fit state to run a fireworks party."

He said that ideally people should attend organised public bonfires.

But if people planned to have their own parties they should use BSI marked fireworks and follow the instructions carefully.

They should not give small children sparklers which could cause terrible injuries.

Fires should be lit with fire lighters rather than paraffin or turps and they should not be sited near buildings.

The firefighters strike threatened for this week was cancelled but as a cautionary measure, Wyre Borough pressed ahead with a policy of removing unauthorised bonfires from council land.

"We don't want to spoil anybody's fun but at the same time it is important that every measure to reduce the risk to health and safety is taken," said Councillor Len Jolley, social environmental portfolio holder.

"Although every effort is made to remove piles of rubbish and fly-tipped waste was soon as possible we can't be everywhere at once. The public's help in reporting any piles of rubbish, abandoned vehicles etcetera is much appreciated."

There are two organised bonfires on council land, one at Cottam Hall playing fields Poulton organised by the Rotary Club on Tuesday November 5 and one near the Discovery Centre, Garstang, organised by the Round Table and Lions on Saturday November 2.