THREE firefighters have been injured with at least one hospitalised after attacks on crews during Bonfire Night.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) say crews received more than 1000 calls from the public during an eight out period, dealing with more than 370 bonfires on one of their busiest nights of the year.

There were eight attacks on crews, with three injuries reported.

And SFRS chief officer Martin Blunden said one of the firefighters required hospital treatment.

The location of the attacks and extent of the injuries were not confirmed.

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

Mr Blunden last night tweeted: “Less than two hours in to bonfire night and three attacks so far with one of these requiring a visit to hospital.

“Please do not attack Scottish Fire and Rescue Service firefighters who are only doing their job.

“In fact, why attack any emergency service worker when we are here to protect you from harm?”

Deputy assistant chief officer Alasdair Perry added: “Our aim is to keep people safe by responding to emergencies. It’s unacceptable that anyone would choose to hamper those efforts.”

With public events cancelled amid the ongoing pandemic – and in Glasgow due to COP26 – the SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of fireworks and bonfires, including the impact it has on emergency services.

Condemning attacks on crews, Assistant Chief Officer Stevens added: "Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.

"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.”

 

Animal welfare charity OneKind urged people not to host private firework displays this bonfire season due to serious animal welfare concerns.

The charity’s director Bob Elliot said: “As many people who share their homes with animals will know, the noise of fireworks can be a real source of fear and distress for animals, and, as a result, a source of stress for the guardians of those animals also.

“Firework displays on private properties are particularly stressful, as people in neighbouring houses are unlikely to be given enough notice to put preventative measures in place to try and reduce their animal’s distress.

“Farmed animals and wild animals are also sometimes forgotten about in the conversation regarding fireworks and animal welfare, yet they can suffer just as much as the animals we share our homes with.

“Wild animals, such as hedgehogs in particular, may even be burnt alive as they build their homes in bonfires.”