THE police and fire service have branded fireworks attacks on emergency workers as “unacceptable” after a half dozen such incidents occurred in West Yorkshire on Bonfire Night.
One such incident occurred just before 8.30pm last night on Radwell Drive in Little Horton, with reports on social media saying a bonfire was set in a park.
When firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze, yobs hurled fireworks at the fire engine, creating a dangerous situation for the crew and forcing them to withdraw from the scene.
When the T&A visited the area on Wednesday, the aftermath of a fire in a playpark could be seen, with the blaze having taken place alarmingly close to blocks of flats. The charred remains of bins, fireworks and other items were visible.
Bonfire Night saw an increase in 999 calls in West Yorkshire, with some using the occasion as an excuse for anti-social behaviour and criminality, with fireworks directed at property, vehicles and people - causing fear in communities.
A spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to reports of a fire in the open on Radwell Drive last night at 8.26pm.
“One crew from Fairweather Green attended, alongside two fire cars.
“However, the crew withdrew after fireworks were thrown at the fire engine.
“There were no reports of any injuries.”
The fire service was also called at 7pm last night to a “dangerous bonfire” on Spring Mill Street in West Bowling.
Reports on social media said police were pelted by glass and stones while protecting firefighters.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “We were called at 7:01pm to Spring Mill Street in Bradford to reports of a dangerous bonfire.
“We sent one fire car and one crew from Bradford who had left the scene at 7.19pm.”
The Telegraph & Argus has also asked the West Yorkshire Police for comments on both incidents.
The police and fire service have today released statements praising emergency workers and thanking the public after five days of celebrations for Bonfire Night 2024.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Our fantastic staff in the Control Room took 287 calls relating to bonfire incidents over the five-day period (Friday, November 1 to Tuesday, November 5). This led to 267 mobilisations by our fire crews.”
Area Manager Scott Donegan said: “We’d like to thank the public for following safety advice and acting responsibly over the bonfire period. We have seen an increase in 999 calls, however, the arrangements we have put in place have allowed us to continue responding quickly and effectively to emergencies.
“I’d also like to send thanks to all our staff who were responding or supporting operations over this period, from those in the control room, firefighters to those working behind the scenes.
"It really is a huge team effort, with work starting months before – but the best reward is knowing the day has passed safely for most people in West Yorkshire.”
There were pockets of anti-social behaviour across West Yorkshire over the bonfire period, with six attacks reported on crews. The attacks have been branded “unacceptable”.
Mr Donegan said: “Unfortunately we continue to see anti-social behaviour and violence directed towards our firefighters.
“This is unacceptable, it has an impact on our ability to keep the public safe and can result in fire engines being unavailable for emergency calls. One attack on an emergency worker is one too many.
“We will work with the police and other partners to identify the small minority of people engaging in this behaviour.”
West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Baker said “I would like to thank members of the public who have enjoyed this period responsibly.
“Unfortunately, there are a minority of people who use Bonfire Night and the surrounding days as a backdrop for anti-social behaviour and criminality.
“We have attended a number of incidents over this period in which fireworks have been directed at people, vehicles and property.
“We know the fear this can cause in communities, and I want to make it clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated and will be investigated.
“Sadly, there have also again been incidences of emergency service personnel and vehicles being targeted with fireworks and other objects.
“These people are working to keep our communities safe, and these attacks are completely unacceptable.
“Again, we will be following up on all available lines of enquiry to ensure robust action is taken against those responsible.
“While this is always a busy time for our call handlers, we are thankful to everyone who has contacted us to provide information about incidents in their area.
“We know there are still a number of events planned into the weekend and would encourage people to continue to follow safety advice to keep themselves and others safe and to report any anti-social or criminal behaviour they may witness.”
With November 5 falling midweek this year there may be some people planning bonfires this coming weekend and police and the fire service have asked everyone to celebrate safely.
Bradford South MP Judith Cummins, who has raised concerns about misuse of fireworks, said: "A huge thank you to our dedicated emergency services who have been working hard to ensure communities across Bradford have been able to enjoy the bonfire period responsibly."
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