People shop for fireworks on Wednesday in Beijing.

In December, more than 78 million confiscated illegal firecrackers, worth 2.6 million yuan (US$320,000), were destroyed by the local government in Beijing. Ninety-five suspects were also put into custody for their alleged involvement in illegal trading.

Jumping for joy: A Beijing police officer skips rope with her sniffer dog in front of the China Science & Technology Museum at an exhibition focusing on knowledge about dogs. The event was held yesterday as part of the celebrations for the Year of the Dog, which begins from tomorrow at midnight.

To help ensure the safety of firecrackers during the festival, a total of 600,000 people throughout Beijing are expected to patrol the capital's streets to deal with fires caused by firecrackers, according to Beijing Morning Post.

They will include police, security personnel, community-based volunteers and those working for car parks, authorities said.

Editor: Cindy