FIRE chiefs have warned that unmanned bonfires could tie-up life saving equipment from real emergencies.

So far this year, Cleveland Fire Brigade has been called to put out 52 bonfires,

Community safety manager Les Jones said: "These are essentially rubbish fires which should not need our attention.

"Children are the main culprits and we are calling on parents to help us reduce these calls and prevent possible injuries.

"Organised events are the safest way to enjoy fireworks, which can become dangerous explosives if not stored, handled and used with extreme caution. Sparklers, wrongly thought to be a safe firework for young children to hold by some, actually heat to over 2000 degrees centigrade."

His warning comes days after surgeons on Teesside managed to stitch back an 11-year-old's thumb after it was blown off by a firework he was holding in his hand.