The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) recently experienced a concerning week with 15 attacks on their firefighters, including nine incidents in a single eight-hour period. These attacks occurred across numerous locations, such as Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blantyre in South Lanarkshire, and Blackburn in West Lothian. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crews; however, a fire appliance in West Lothian was taken out of service after its windshield was damaged by a brick.
Escalation Before Bonfire Night
The recent spate of attacks came in the lead-up to Bonfire Night and also included previous assaults in Ayrshire and Edinburgh, along with further incidents in Troon and Glasgow over the weekend. Summing up the week's violence, Andy Watt, Assistant Chief Officer for SFRS, expressed his dismay at these occurrences, stating, "Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable." He emphasized that such actions hinder the ability of crews to efficiently and safely manage emergencies and place additional strain on partner emergency services, including the police, who are often present to ensure the safety of personnel.
Community Involvement
SFRS has recognized the continued support from communities and emergency service partners in addressing these issues. "We thank our emergency service partners Police Scotland for their continued assistance and we will continue to work in partnership with them to identify those responsible," Watt added. He stressed that this disruptive behavior is perpetrated by a small fraction of the population and reiterated the importance of collaboration with community members for continued safety.
Fireworks and Bonfire Safety
Leading up to Bonfire Night, SFRS urged the public to be mindful of the potential hazards associated with fireworks and unsafe bonfires. On Sunday, November 5, SFRS Operations Control managed to deploy firefighters to approximately 355 bonfires countrywide, responding to more than 892 calls from the public between 3:30 PM and midnight.
Operational Challenges During Busy Period
Reflecting on the busy period, ACO Watt commented, "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." He also acknowledged the exceptional dedication of the SFRS personnel, including frontline, Operations Control, and support staff, whose commitment has allowed for continued protection of communities across Scotland despite the challenges faced.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported nine attacks during an eight-hour period. The attacks happened in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blantyre in South Lanarkshire and Blackburn in West Lothian.
There were no injuries reported to the crews involved however a fire appliance in West Lothian had a windscreen smashed by a brick and had to be removed from operational service. These attacks have followed four previously reported attacks on crews in Ayrshire and Edinburgh in the week leading up to Bonfire Night. As well as two further attacks over the weekend in Troon and Glasgow.
Emergency service partners
This totals 15 attacks on firefighters over a period of one week. Andy Watt Assistant Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "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. 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 are supporting us on scene to ensure the safety of our personnel.”
“We thank our emergency service partners Police Scotland for their continued assistance and we will continue to work in partnership with them to identify those responsible. 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.”
Communities and emergency services
The SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires
SFRS received more than 892 calls from the public and Operations Control mobilised firefighters to approximately 355 bonfires across the country between 3.30 pm and 12 Midnight on Sunday, 5 November.
In the run up to the event, the SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires with a message to consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.
Other emergency services
ACO Watt added: “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."
