FIRE chiefs have issued a safety warning to Warwickshire residents in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Last year, the county's fire and rescue service dealt with a number of nuisance fires lit too close to property or woodland areas, so has issued the following guidelines:

l If you are building a bonfire in your back garden make sure it is not near a shed, garage, hedges or trees - the bigger the bonfire, the further away it needs to be.

Do not light a bonfire near overhead cables.

Make sure you have a hosepipe laid out in case the bonfire gets out of control.

Let the fire service know in advance the location of your event.

County Fire Officer William Broan said: "I want the people of Warwickshire to have an enjoyable Bonfire Night, which is why I have issued these safety guidelines.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to an organised firework party.

"So please make sure that your night goes with a bang and keep safe."

Organised fireworks in the Alcester area include Friday at Alcester Rugby Club and Saturday at Big Meadow, Bidford. Both events begin at 7pm.

Remember new legislation introduced this year makes it illegal to set off fireworks after midnight on November 5 and after 11pm on other nights (except New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali).