ALMOST half of all calls to "out of control" bonfires in West Yorkshire last year were made to fires in the Bradford district, it has been revealed.

Firefighters extinguished 66 bonfires across the county that had either got out of control or were not being managed properly between November 1 and November 7 last year, 31 of which were in the Bradford district.

Crews also tended to 218 secondary fires during the bonfire period, anything from a wheelie bin being set ablaze to grass fires, 81 of which took place across Bradford.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has released the figures to help promote its 'Gone in a Flash' safety campaign, which shows in graphic detail how fireworks and bonfires can wreck lives if not used responsibly.

This year's campaign also includes a new Bonfire Safety video, and WYFRS said it has been working with Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police to reinforce its safety message.

A supply of bonfire safety leaflets has been given to local police community volunteers and neighbourhood watch co-ordinators, and advice notes have been issued to members of the public via council wardens.

Students enrolled on the Public Services course at Bradford College have also been giving out leaflets in "hotspot" areas where arson or anti-social behaviour has been recorded in previous years as part of a new Student Guardianship Scheme.

A WYFRS spokesman said the force wanted everyone across Bradford to have a safe and enjoyable bonfire season, but added that it always encouraged people to attend an organised bonfire display to "minimise the risk to individuals and harm to the environment."

Thomas Rhodes, WYFRS Bradford District prevention manager, said: “Bonfire night and the lead up to it is one of the busiest times of the year for our service.

"The safest way to celebrate this occasion would be to go to an organised event, however, should people be planning to have a fire and perhaps set off fireworks this needs to be done safely.

“Please consider your community over this period, do not endanger your friends, family members or neighbours by being irresponsible with what you are burning or when lighting fireworks."

Last year also saw an increase in attacks on WYFRS firefighters over the bonfire period, with 14 recorded across the county, including six in the Bradford district.

“Attacks on firefighters are completely unacceptable, and people should think twice before engaging in reckless behaviour," said Mr Rhodes.

“We have cameras on our fire engines and will work closely with police to bring those responsible to account.”

For further information, or to view the new Bonfire Safety video, visit www.westyorksfire.gov.uk.