FIRE chiefs have slammed "foolish" yobs who put lives at risk with fireworks.
The troublemakers are believed to have set off more than 200 fireworks in a Haslingden phone box last night.
Crews were called to the smoke-filled box in Bury Road at 10.30pm.
Emergency services were alerted when a passerby noticed flashing lights and heard loud bangs in the box.
Rawtenstall Fire Station watch manager, Ian Johnston, said the firebugs put their own lives at risk by taking part in the 'foolish' stunt.
He added: "We don't want this starting off a trend of these incidents.
"It can be very dangerous for the person who lights the fireworks because they are putting themselves in restricted spaces, which could be difficult to get out of."
He added: "It also means the loss of a public service as the phone box, which are becoming few and far between in communities today, was severely damaged."
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