Firefighters, who were pelted with bricks after tackling a blaze near the site of a gas leak on Bonfire Night last year, urged people to attend organized exhibitions.
On Friday, November 5, 2021, crew chief Glenn Reid and his colleagues at Cumbernauld Fire Station in Lanarkshire were pelted with bricks and stones after they started fighting a fire.
Mr Reid said he and his colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service “really couldn’t believe it” after the youths began attacking them.
“We had to retreat to the fire apparatus, where the car was then attacked.
“We realized that we could not leave the street because it was blocked by containers. The police arrived at the scene, the young people fled,” he said.
READ MORE: A teenager pulled a knife from an ex-councillor of the SNP, who is accused of attempted rape
The firefighter, who has been with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for around 20 years, said anti-social behavior was putting an “extra strain” on emergency services.
“Someone could have been seriously hurt and this kind of behavior puts extra strain on the emergency services. As we approach Bonfire Night this year, we will encourage people to always go to an organized event,” he said.
Three of Mr Reid’s colleagues suffered minor injuries during the incident in Cumbernauld. Two were taken to hospital and discharged the same evening. Their fire truck also sustained surface damage.
Bonfire Night is the fire service’s busiest night, with eight crew assaults and three injuries reported in 2021.
Firefighters across Scotland also responded to more than 370 fires during an eight-hour period last November 5.
Between Oct. 8 and Nov. 5, crews also responded to 880 intentional secondary fires, including grass and dumpster fires.
READ MORE: Police were called back to Hamilton Street after a second death in less than a week
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry, head of prevention and protection at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable and are committed by a tiny minority.
“We know our crews have a lot of support in our communities. We want people to have fun while celebrating, but we want them to do so safely and think of others, including our crews who work hard to respond to emergencies.
“Bonfires and fireworks go hand in hand at this time of year and we advise people to go to organized events wherever possible and always follow the Fireworks Code.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website has a list of organized events taking place across Scotland, as well as safety advice for members of the public.
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/23075418.attacked-firefighters-urge-people-attend-organised-displays/?ref=rss