Three firefighters injured after attacks on crews on bonfire night
Eight teams were attacked across Scotland
Last updated 6th Nov 2021
Three firefighters were injured, with one taken to hospital, after crews were attacked on bonfire night.
Eight crews were accosted by members of the public across Scotland.
The location of the attacks and extent of the injuries were not confirmed.
Initial figures indicate that crews responded to approximately 374 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday, November 5.
Meanwhile Operations Control handled more than 1020 calls from members of the public.
Martin Blunden, chief officer, said in a tweet: " Please do not attack firefighters who are only doing their job.
"In fact, why attack any emergency service worker when we are here to protect you from harm?"
According to SFRS safety regulations, it is illegal for the general public to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm in Scotland.
Stuart Stevens, assistant chief officer, said: "Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest night of the year.
"I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline and Operations Control firefighters and our support staff who have shown extreme dedication over this period.
"I must also thank our partners, and indeed communities across Scotland, for their continuing support in sharing and heeding our safety messaging.”
Health secretary, Humza Yousaf, has described the behaviour as 'despicable' in a tweet.
Meanwhile, 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."