Firefighter recalls 'horrible' moment crewmate struck by firework amid Bonfire Night unrest warning

A seasoned firefighter has described the terrifying moment her crew came under attack with fireworks while responding to a bonfire in Carluke.

Bonfire Night has in recent years seen repeated disorder and anti-social behaviour in some parts of Scotland, with over 60 people reported for their involvement in fireworks offences over the period last year.

Riot officers have previously been deployed to combat disorder in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with police and fire crews attacked with projectiles.

Watch commander Debbie McCafferty, who serves Glasgow’s Clydesmill and Carluke Community Fire Stations, said the incident occurred last year while she and her on-call colleagues were extinguishing an unofficial bonfire.

“I looked around to my left, and an unexploded firework had hit a trainee firefighter on his leg”, she said. “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.”

Fellow firefighter Scott Stevenson, who was also struck by the firework, described the scene.

“It was quite dark, and I was standing making sure the fire was out when I heard a whistle”, he said. “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 also highlighted the importance of safe celebrations.

“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”, she added.

The warning comes as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has joined forces with children’s burns specialists to reinforce the dangers of fireworks.

During just a four-week period last year, 46 people were treated in hospital for firework-related injuries, with nearly half requiring plastic surgery or specialist healthcare, according to the Care of Burns in Scotland partnership.

Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour, SFRS Head of Prevention, said: “Every year we witness people who have been injured by fireworks.

“Fireworks are explosives and people need to understand how dangerous they can be. We would always urge people to attend an organised public display where possible, but where they can’t, they should always read the Fireworks Code before buying or using fireworks. A little knowledge can go a long way to keeping people safe.”

Sharon Ramsay, clinical nurse specialist for Paediatric Burns at the Scottish National Burns Centre, warned: “Every year around Bonfire Night, we treat children with serious injuries caused by fireworks and sparklers. These can be life-changing, especially in older children who’ve lit fireworks while holding them.

“We’ve seen blast injuries to hands, faces, and eyes, some resulting in permanent disability. If you’re using fireworks at home, please keep children indoors and behind closed windows where they can safely enjoy the display. It’s not just November 5 that’s risky.

“We often see more injuries in the two weeks following Bonfire Night, when young people get hold of leftover fireworks and use them unsupervised with friends. If you’re storing fireworks for another occasion, like New Year’s Eve, please keep them locked away and out of reach of children.”