Eight attacks on firefighters and 1000 calls on Bonfire Night

Firefighters received more than 1000 calls from the public during an eight-hour period on Bonfire Night.

There were also eight reported attacks on crews, resulting in three injuries. One firefighter was taken to hospital for treatment.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said firefighters across Scotland dealt with more than 370 bonfires on Friday evening, making it one of their busiest nights of the year.

Initial figures show fire crews responded to more than 370 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday.

Meanwhile, operations control handled more than 1020 calls from members of the public.

Less than 2hrs in to Bonfire Night & 3 attacks so far with 1 of these requiring a visit to hospital. Please do not attack @fire_scot firefighters who are only doing their job. In fact, why attack any emergency service worker when we are here to protect you from harm? https://t.co/yGqVtyaEvx
— Martin Blunden (@FireScot_Chief) November 5, 2021

Assistant chief officer Stuart Stevens, director of service delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 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.”

West: 582 calls received, two attacks on crews and 258 bonfires attended
East SDA: 301 calls received, one attack on crews and 86 bonfires attended
North SDA: 138 calls received, five attacks on crews and 30 bonfires attended

Libby Logan, SFRS area commander for operations control, 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.”

According to SFRS safety regulations, it is illegal for the general public to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm in Scotland.

And Stevens described the attacks on firefighters were completely unacceptable.

He said: “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.”