Scotland’s firefighters target of attacks on Bonfire Night

During the observance of Bonfire Night, Scottish firefighters encountered a series of attacks while responding to emergencies across the nation.

According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), crews were met with aggression in various instances throughout Scotland, intensifying the challenges faced during one of their busiest times of the year.

Fire crews maintain service amidst hostility

In a night marred by instances of public disorder, the SFRS responded to numerous calls, tackling bonfires and fireworks-related incidents.

The night’s events took a grave turn as crews became targets of violence, leading to the damage of vital firefighting equipment.

There were nine reported instances of hostility directed at crews within an eight-hour window on the night traditionally associated with fireworks and public celebrations.

The affected areas included Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blantyre in South Lanarkshire, and Blackburn in West Lothian.

Resilience amid adversity for Scottish fire teams

Despite these disturbances, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service praises its staff for their professionalism and remains committed to ensuring community safety.

The attacks, accumulating to a total of fifteen over the past week, were widely condemned by SFRS officials as they underscore the dangers faced by emergency responders.

No injuries but damage sustained

Although no injuries were reported, the impact of these confrontations was felt keenly, with one appliance in West Lothian suffering a smashed windscreen due to a brick attack, causing its withdrawal from service.

These incidents followed a spate of similar altercations in the lead-up to the evening, with four occurrences in Ayrshire and Edinburgh and additional attacks in Troon and Glasgow over the preceding weekend.

A small minority responsible for attacks

Assistant Chief Officer Andy Watt of the SFRS expressed his disapproval: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.

“Our staff should be able to carry out their role without being attacked. It is disappointing that people have tried to hurt firefighters and have damaged our appliances.”

He emphasised the collective effort required to handle emergencies, highlighting the role of community support in maintaining safety: “This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a small minority within society and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”

Heavy call volume managed by firefighters

On Bonfire Night, the SFRS dealt with a high volume of calls, mobilizing responses to roughly 355 bonfires from late afternoon into the midnight hours.

In preparation for the night, the SFRS had issued public appeals to raise awareness about the potential dangers of fireworks and bonfires.

Watt commended his team’s commitment during this demanding period: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year.

“We put a huge amount of planning and preparation into this evening with local partners and other emergency services in order to protect communities, which is always our top priority.

“I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline personnel, our Operations Control staff and our support staff who have shown incredible commitment over this busy period.

“Their dedication has allowed us to continue to protect communities throughout Scotland on Bonfire Night.”

The SFRS provided a call response breakdown: the West SDA received 502 calls with three attacks on crews, the East SDA had 306 calls and four crew attacks, and the North SDA encountered 84 calls with two attacks on crews.

Further details on the incidents and any subsequent reviews or updates remain forthcoming.

IFSJ Comment

The pattern of attacks on firefighters in Scotland over the Bonfire Night period shines a light on the unpredictable nature of emergency services work.

With fire crews putting their lives on the line, it’s a stark reminder of the volatility they face, especially during high-risk events like Bonfire Night.

The unyielding commitment of these teams, despite direct threats to their safety, is a testament to their dedication to public service.

Moreover, the incidents highlight the importance of community awareness and cooperation in ensuring the safety and efficiency of emergency responses, which is crucial for the well-being of both the public and first responders.