Police have issued a warning to the public after two 10-year-old boys set fire to a shed while playing with fireworks.

Police received a report just before 4pm yesterday of a fire at a house in Dempsey Place, Rapid Creek. On arrival police found the two boys trying to extinguish a fire in a garden shed. The fire had also spread to a Holden Commodore and rubbish in the yard.

Police said the boys had been left home alone and were lighting small fireworks known as Bumble Bees when one of the fireworks set fire to surrounding grass. The boys used a garden hose to try to extinguish the flames after the fire spread to the garden shed and the motor vehicle. Fire crews managed to extinguish the blaze and the boys were treated by St John Ambulance paramedics for burns to their hands.

Superintendent Rob farmer said the incident could have had much more serious consequences.

"This should serve as a serious reminder of the potential dangers of fireworks," Supt farmer said.

"It should also act as a warning to parents to ensure they supervise their children and educate them about the dangers of playing with flammable or explosive substances."


Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
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