Prank 999 call slammed by fire crews

THE fire service in Oldham warned against hoax calls after pranksters put lives at risk last night.

Crews from Oldham and Chadderton were dispatched to Lowe Green and High Barn Street, both in Royton.

Pranksters dialled 999 pretending that there was a kitchen fire and a bedroom fire, for which the immediate response is three fire engines and associated crew members.

Crew manager Gaz Parks from Oldham station said: "We received one hoax call about a kitchen fire and 30 minutes later received another one about a bedroom fire. We attended these immediately, sending three pumps and three fire engines.

"While we are attending these, there could be a real emergency and they would have to call on another fire service which could reduce the speed of response and put people's lives at risk."

Prank or hoax 999 calls are punishable by a maximum fine of £5,000 and six months imprisonment.