FIRE chiefs are hoping that the public will help to ensure that hoax calls and trouble- makers are clamped down on in the lead-up to bonfire night.

The public has been asked to report irresponsible people, whose anti-social behaviour endangers lives.

Firefighters were called to more than 280 bonfires on Teesside last year, at a cost of more than £35,000 to council tax payers.

In an effort to reduce incidents this year, residents are being asked to report illegal bonfire building and fireworks sales.

George Crooks, arson task force supervisor at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "No one wants to spoil bonfire night fun for youngsters, but the community needs to be aware of the dangers and costs associated with lighting bonfires on public land without authority and of illegal sales of fireworks.

"It is illegal to build or light a bonfire on any public land without the permission of the local council. These fires are a nuisance, costly to remove or extinguish, and are a danger to people, pets and property.

"Fireworks can only be sold by traders, issued with an appropriate licence, to adults.''

The brigade has joined forces with council cleansing departments, community wardens and Cleveland Police to remove illegal bonfires.

With a month to go before bonfire night, reports of dangerous anti-social behaviour involving fireworks are already increasing across Middlesbrough.

Intelligence suggests that imported fireworks are being sold on housing estates, regardless of the danger they can cause.

Steve Walton, of Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "The risks of storing what are in effect explosives within houses where fires, cookers and smoking materials are commonplace are extremely high.

"On top of the physical danger, anyone involved in this illegal activity risks prosecution and places their tenancy in jeopardy."

Anyone with concerns about bonfires or fireworks is asked to contact the brigade on (01429) 872311.

If you see an illegal bonfire being built on open ground, call Stockton (01642) 391959, Hartlepool (01429) 523333, Middlesbrough (01642) 726001 or Redcar and Cleveland on (0800) 0131357.

For illegal firework sales from homes or to under 18s contact: Stockton (01642) 526560, Hartlepool (01429) 523362, Middlesbrough (01642) 728223, Redcar and Cleveland trading standards consumer advice line on (0800) 0131357.