FIRE chiefs are repeating their support for organised bonfires in the run up to November 5.

They want to see and end to individual bonfires and firework use and have poured cold water on "the extended firework period across the whole year that seems to be gaining momentum".

The views were made clear in a report to the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority in Preston on Monday (Sep 17).

Members were briefed on arrangements throughout Lancashire for this year's Bonfire Night. The meeting was told that staff will work with local authorities such as Chorley Borough Council to monitor dangerous bonfires prepared before November 5.

This will enable councils to break up and move the bonfire -- a scheme that operated successfully in parts of Lancashire last year.

Officers will provide safety advice to those requiring it, including inspections where a particular risk is thought to exist where bonfires have been prepared, or where flammable materials have been stored too close to a building.

Fire bosses said of particular concern was the use of flammable liquids to start bonfires. Lancashire Fire and Rescue will also urge people to keep pets indoors and check bonfires to ensure animals have not nested in them.

Accidents were down eight per cent last year on 1999. However, injuries to 13-15 year olds rose by eight per cent. There were two deaths in 2000 -- one in Lancashire -- the first firework-related deaths since 1996.

The service will work closely with trading standards who have legal responsibility for the controls of fireworks.