The fire service in Bradford could be crippled during its busiest period of the year if firefighters vote to strike, councillors say.

Union bosses need to give seven days' notice of action if the ballot is in favour of industrial action over pay on Friday.

But there are fears this could leave the city protected by Green Goddesses manned by the military around Bonfire Night.

Bradford Councillor Tony Niland, a member of West Yorkshire Fire Authority, said it could have a devastating effect on Bradford, which has been identified as a firework accident hotspot by the Government.

"It is a major fear and we are hoping that firefighters will see a bit of common sense and a feeling of support for the community because it is the busiest time of the year," said Coun Niland (Lab, Bowling).

"They have to give seven days notice after receiving the results of the ballot, which would take us into the Bonfire Night period."

His concerns were echoed by Councillor Mukhtar Ali (Lab, Bowling), who is chairman of the fire authority's best value and personnel and training committees. "It is a high risk period when we have got bonfire night and other festivities which involve fireworks including Diwali and so it is clearly a concern there is a chance of industrial action," he said.

West Yorkshire Fire Service figures show that the Little Horton, Bowling, Tong and University wards in Bradford are among the ten worst areas of the county for serious fires.

In November last year West Yorkshire fire crews were called out 1,922 times to blazes including bonfires compared to 1,319 times the month before. Last year hospitals in Bradford had the highest number of recorded accidents caused by fireworks in the Northern and Yorkshire region.

Elizabeth Hellmich, a firework safety campaigner and neighbourhood watch co-ordinator, said she feared more people could be injured if a strike took place.

"This could have a devastating effect and we are very concerned about it. I have heard there will only be two Green Goddesses and one cutting equipment wagon for this area and this could have a terrible effect on all the emergency services," she said.

Sean Cahill, a former Bradford firefighter and secretary of the West Yorkshire Fire Brigade Union, said: "It is a matter that is being discussed leading up to the ballot result and any strike date would not be decided until the outcome is known."