FIREFIGHTERS have threatened action against dangerous and illegal bonfires this Guy Fawkes Night.

But they warned they could not tackle all fires while the council’s official city centre display is cancelled this year due to the pandemic. 

Area commander Roddie Keith at Cowcaddens Station stressed that the private use of fireworks could cause “significant injury” but admitted there was a higher risk this year of this and private bonfires due to the cancellation of public displays. 

He said: “Going to a public event is not an option this year, so it may be that more people will be inclined to have fireworks and bonfires at home. 

“Under normal circumstances, we would ask people not to do that but we understand that the reality is people might.

To them we would say - please do it as safely as possible, be familiar with the firework code and buy them from a reputable vendor.

“Every year we see people being injured by fireworks - and children are particularly at risk.

“Make sure bonfires are supervised, that there are no dangerous materials in it and that it’s away from any structures to which it could spread.

Bonfire Night is traditionally the busiest night of the year for the fire service but Mr Keith pleaded: “Every time we have to respond to a bonfire, it’s taking us away from other incidents.”

The fire service are working in partnership with Police Scotland and the council, which has committed to reinstating a bonfire removal service. 

Councillor Elaine McSporran encouraged people to report flytipping because of fears growing piles of rubbish on city streets may be used as fuel for dangerous bonfires. 

Meanwhile, education chiefs have taken action after a group of schoolkids “terrorised” the South Side by letting off fireworks. 

Three youngsters from Lourdes Secondary, in Cardonald, were sent home for the day after locals complained about their “irresponsible actions”. 

Staff at the Kirriemuir Avenue hub reminded the teenagers of “how dangerous” it is to play with fireworks, with Bonfire Night just over the horizon. 

A council spokeswoman said the pupils had been “reminded how dangerous it was to play with fireworks”.