Emergency services join with Glasgow City Council over bonfire weekend
A joint operations centre is opening up in Glasgow specifically for Bonfire Night.
Last updated 4th Nov 2022
Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Glasgow City Council are teaming up to work together to respond to incidents over bonfire weekend.
Staff from all three organisations will be based in the council's hi-tech operations centre tonight and tomorrow night.
"Follow the Fireworks Code"
They will co-ordinate to respond to any dangerous incidents by deploying specially trained officers to support local Police, Fire and Community officers to keep people safe during this busy period.
Marc McGill is a Station Commander in Glasgow with Scottish Fire and Rescue.
He said: "Bonfire Night is one of the busiest times of the year for our crews.
"This new control room in Glasgow will enhance our partnership working to keep communities safe.
"We always recommend going to an organised event, wherever possible, and follow the Fireworks Code which is available on our website along with a list of events taking place across Scotland."
"Any behaviour which puts our community at risk will not be tolerated"
This is the first year that all services involved in responding to bonfire emergencies will be physically based together in the City Operations Centre.
In the last five years, it is estimated around 60 people were injured by fireworks.
Chief Inspector Elaine Tomlinson of Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Glasgow City Council cannot tackle anti-social behaviour and bonfire related disorder alone.
"We are confident that this multi-agency approach, aimed at not only responding successfully to reports of criminality but preventing them in the first place will ensure we collectively keep the people of Greater Glasgow safe.
"Any behaviour which puts our community at risk or endangers the safety of our officers will not be tolerated.
"The new aggravator for attacks on emergency services workers is a welcome addition to our existing legislation and ensures those responsible receive the severest punishment for their actions.
"Our collaborative approach to bonfire weekend will ensure those intent on causing criminality will be dealt with robustly for the safety and wellbeing of our communities."
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