A seasoned firefighter has spoken of the terrifying moment her crew came under attack with fireworks.
Watch Commander Debbie McCafferty serves communities at both Glasgow’s Clydesmill Community Fire Station and at Carluke Community Fire Station.
Debbie has protected communities since 2002 and balances her wholetime role with family life and responding to emergencies via a pager.
Last year, she and her on call crewmates came under attack during a callout to an unofficial bonfire in Carluke.
After engaging with the crowd in attendance, Debbie and her colleagues began to extinguish the bonfire. It was then a firework was fired in their direction.
Debbie recalled: “There were loads of people around the bonfire. As we began to extinguish it and the crowd began to disperse, we heard a whistling noise.
“I looked around to my left and an unexploded firework had hit a trainee firefighter on his leg. We both instinctively kicked it away and then it went off.
“It was horrible, really horrible. Thankfully everyone was okay, but all it would have taken was for the firework to get stuck in his tunic or for it to have landed in front of us and it would have caused severe injuries.
“We’re there trying to do a job and keep people safe. We’re not targets and we don’t deserve to be treated like that.”
Firefighter Scott Stevenson attended the same incident and was struck by the firework. He recalled: “It was quite dark, and I was stood making sure the fire was out when I heard a whistle.
“I felt something strike my leg and my colleague pulled me to the side as the firework exploded.
“It was a scary situation and could have been a lot worse.
“My family were very upset and angry when they found out.”
Debbie is keen to point out that attending an organised firework event or bonfire display is the safest way to enjoy the bonfire season – but she is realistic enough to know many people will host firework displays or have bonfires at home.
She said: “Have a good time and enjoy yourself but do it in a safe manner. Don’t put yourself at risk and don’t ruin anyone else’s fun. Respect other people and consider the impact of fireworks on animals.
“We’re not there to ruin anyone’s fun, we just want to keep people safe – and that includes ourselves.”
You can find out key safety information, including the Bonfire Code, on the SFRS website.
On there, you will also see a full and updated list of all public firework events taking place across Scotland.
