Attacks On Firefighters Blight Bonfire Night Celebrations

Monday, 7 November 2016 14:35

Attacks on The Emergency Services blemished a busy Bonfire weekend, which on the whole was enjoyed safely by members of the public.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service worked alongside West Yorkshire Police to keep communities safe as they enjoyed the celebrations.

Between 4pm on November 5 and 8.30am on November 6, the Fire Service received 1043 calls into our Control Room and firefighters attended 265 incidents, of which 183 were fires in the open.

Not all calls required an attendance and in many cases advice could be given.

Organised bonfires were well managed on the whole and enjoyed by families across the districts.

Sadly, the Fire Service did experience 19 attacks on firefighters on Bonfire Night, largely involving the throwing of fireworks or stones.

This is twice the number experienced on Bonfire Night last year.

Thirteen of the attacks occurred in the Bradford area, also including Keighley.

Three of the attacks were in Calderdale, two in Leeds and one in Huddersfield.

Firefighters were well supported by Police throughout the night and fortunately no-one was injured.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling, Gold Commander for the Operation, said: “It is sad that the actions of the minority reflect badly on what was overall a well enjoyed Bonfire weekend.”

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