A task force is pulling out all the stops this year to make sure Bonfire Night is as safe as possible.

West Yorkshire Police, West York-shire Fire Service, West Yorkshire Trading Standards and Bradford Council have pulled together in a massive effort to reduce crime and injury linked to the bonfire season.

Last year 17 people were treated in Bradford hospitals for fireworks-related injuries. Five of those were children aged five or under.

Until last year the number of Bonfire Night-related injuries had fallen from 36 in 2002 to 12 in 2004.

Keith Robinson, West Yorkshire Fire Service group manager for community fire safety, said officers were pulling out all the stops to try to dramatically lower the figure this year.

He said: "My hope is we can get below five, which would be a tremendous achievement."

Firefighters have visited schools to promote the safety message.

But Mr Robinson said it was down to adults to take responsibility.

He said: "There is no way a three-year-old could get hold of a firework.

"Adults need to take more responsibility. They need to be responsible ."

The teams will respond to tip-offs left on the annual Bradford bonfire telephone hotline - which will allow the public to report potentially dangerous fires. People are asked to call if they spot a bonfire being built in a public place which they believe has not been given permission, is likely to be dangerous or is causing an obstruction.

Inspector Mark Leighton, of Brad-ford South police, said problem bonfires would be dismantled. The same hotline can be used to report the illegal sale of fireworks.

A drive to combat the type of crime typical during bonfire season has been started by Bradford North police division.

Inspector Chris Corkindale said the division, alongside West Yorkshire Trading Standards, was also undertaking test firework buys from shops suspected of selling them to under 18s. He said the operation, which started last week, was already showing signs of success.

The operation, which is being co-ordinated by Insp Corkindale, will specifically target trouble hot-spots of Manningham and Girlington.

A Trading Standards spokesman said this year's test purchases and inspections had been successful with all vendors tested found to be abiding by the law. Last year four prosecutions were made for under-age sales in Bradford. The spokesman said: "In the Bradford area it all looks positive, but we will see what happens."

Meanwhile, people who intend to burn rubbish, rather than disposing of it legally, may face prosecution, the Environment Agency has warned.

Andrew Wood, regional director for the Environment Agency, said: "Anyone plotting to fly-tip waste on community bonfires or illegally burn waste, beware. Our enforcement officers will be out in force."

Animal charity PDSA is urging pet owners to bring their animals indoors during the bonfire season.

  • The district's Bonfire Hotline number is (01274) 376710. All other reports should be made via 999 or on the non-emergency number 0845 6060606.
e-mail: rebecca.wright @bradford.newsquest.co.uk
WHAT'S GOING ON WHERE

Fireworks displays taking place around the Bradford district include:

Saturday, November 4: Addingham - Addingham Primary School, Bolton Road: Bonfire and fireworks. The bonfire will be lit at 5.30pm and fireworks will start at 6pm. Refreshments will be on sale. Tickets will be £3 per adult, £1 per child and £8 for a family (Two adults and up to four children).

Baildon - Rugby Union Club, Jenny Lane. Firework display at 7.45pm.

Bingley - Myrtle Park: Organised by Baildon Round Table. Bonfire and firework display. Pulse radio roadshow. Bonfire lit at 7pm, fireworks start at 7.30pm.

Burley-in-Wharfedale - Peel Place. Burley Scout and Guide Group annual bonfire. 6.30pm with fireworks display starting at 7pm.

Skipton - Auction mart: Bonfire organised by the Craven District Round Table. Gates at 5.30pm, bonfire to be lit at 6.30pm with fireworks at 7.15pm. Tickets can be bought on the evening or in advance from the Skipton Tourist Information Centre, £4 for adults, £2.50 for children, £12 for a family (Two adults and two children).

Sunday, November 5: Sutton-in-Craven - Sutton-in-Craven park: Rodeo bull and barbecue at 4.30pm. Guys need to be entered into competition by 5.30pm. Bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm with fireworks from 7pm. Donations to cover cost of event welcomed.

  • Remember, if you are having your own display it is important to follow the Firework Code. Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. Follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary then light the firework at arm's length with a taper.