FIREFIGHTERS are urging people to think carefully about their actions as part of its Halloween and Bonfire Night safety campaign after two fires broke out at a mill on Tuesday.

Crews were first sent to the property on Butts Street, Leigh at around 6.05pm after it was reported a group of children had started a fire inside the mill.

Three fire engines and a technical response unit attended where crews discovered a blaze involving a large quantity of rubbish.

Firefighters used one hose reel to extinguish the fire and were on the scene for around 30 minutes.

Crews were called to the mill just over two hours later at around 8.15pm to reports of a fire.

Two fire engines attended and found a fire involving two industrial skips and used two hose reels to extinguish it.

Crews were on the scene for around one hour-and-15 minutes. The second fire is believed to have been started deliberately as well.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s (GMFRS) head of prevention, Damian O’Rourke, said: “Incidents like these don’t just take up the invaluable time of our crews but are also extremely dangerous for anyone involved in them.

"I would urge all parents to make sure you know where your children are and to talk to them about the dangers of starting fires and playing with fireworks.

“If you do encounter a fire or any other emergency, please call 999 immediately.”

On the same day, GMFRS crews were called to Limeside Park in Oldham at around 4.30pm, where a blaze broke out in the open and a bottle was thrown at the fire engine.

Luckily the crew were not hurt and the fire engine was not damaged, but firefighters are reminding people about the potential consequences of anti-social behaviour.

READ > Here are the roads set to be repaired in November

Area manager O’Rourke, said: “Nobody expects to go to work, especially in a job where they are protecting the community on a daily basis, and have missiles thrown at them.

"Luckily nobody was hurt but it could have been far worse.

"Dealing with nuisance fires and anti-social behaviour takes firefighters away from potentially more serious incidents where lives could be at risk in the same community.

“We do see a rise in incidents of this nature as the dark nights set in and as part of our annual Halloween and Bonfire Night campaign, Treacle.

"I would urge people to think carefully about their actions as behaviour like this can have major consequences.”

For further information and safety advice click here.