Warning against attacks on firefighters in Scotland

There is a renewed appeal to stop attacks on firefighters in Scotland in the lead up to Bonfire Night.

There were 12 attacks on crews on November 5th last year.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warns it diverts emergency responders away from other serious incidents.

Deputy assistant chief officer Alasdair Perry said, “On any night of the year an attack on crews responding to incidents is unacceptable, but to have twelve on our busiest night of the year puts everyone in danger.

“We know it's a very small minority of people who engage in anti-social behaviour, but there's no question it can also impact on our firefighters, operations control colleagues and our partners too.

“If an appliance is damaged it may not be available for other emergencies.

“Our emergency service partners are diverted from other emergencies to escort us to deal with incidents, if crews need treatment and to investigate the attacks.

“It's time to bring an end to this type of anti-social behaviour and make sure firefighters - and our emergency service partners - can do their job and keep the communities they serve safe.''

Last week, the fire service highlighted the dangers of fireworks, and its #BangOutOfOrder campaign.

Firefighters also attended more than 1,350 deliberate fires during the four-week period up to November 5, 2020 - its busiest period of the year.

SFRS said it would take a “zero-tolerance approach'' to deliberate fire setting and anti-social behaviour.

And homeowners were urged to store waste in garages or sheds to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

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