Bonfire Night: Three firefighters injured in eight attacks on crews

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received more than 1000 calls from the public during an eight hour period

Firefighters across Scotland dealt with more than 370 bonfires on one of their busiest nights of the year yesterday.

Initial figures indicate that crews responded to approximately 374 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday, November 5.

Meanwhile, Operations Control handled more than 1020 calls from members of the public.

There were also eight reported attacks on crews, with three injuries reported.

With public events cancelled amid continuing Covid-19 restrictions – and in Glasgow due to the evening coinciding with the COP26 event – the Service had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and deliberate fire-setting and to also consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens is Director of Service Delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year.

“I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline and Operations Control firefighters and our support staff who have shown extreme dedication over this period.

“I must also thank our partners, and indeed communities across Scotland, for their continuing support in sharing and heeding our safety messaging.”

Libby Logan is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander for Operations Control. She said: “This was a busy and challenging evening, but I would like to praise our Operations Control staff who have once again worked tirelessly to ensure we respond to those who need us the most.

“Their dedication has allowed us to meet this challenge and continue to protect communities throughout Bonfire Night.”

Condemning attacks on crews, Assistant Chief Officer Stevens added: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.

“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police when they must escort us at the scene.

“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”