Tyne and Wear Fire Service urges people out on Bonfire Night to respect firefighters
by Owen Younger · ChronicleLiveTyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is urging people who are out on Bonfire Night to respect firefighters. The plea from TWFRS comes as there were over 50 attacks on firefighters in the area throughout 2023.
In particular, crews were victims of five different incidents during the five day Bonfire Night period (01/11 to 06/11), with three taking place on Bonfire Night itself. Over this same period, crews attended eight malicious false alarms, which diverted essential resources away from real emergencies, like the 76 deliberate fires that TWFRS dealt with this time last year.
This kind of attack on a firefighter can result in up to two years in prison, and those caught deliberately starting fires, or making hoax calls, risk heavy fines or six months behind bars.
Steven Walker, the Watch Manager at TWFRS, said: "I have worked several bonfire nights and witnessed first-hand violence against firefighters whilst they carry out their work, helping the community. This is unacceptable.
"Please don't mess around and throw fireworks or in any way attack or make it difficult for our fire crews to do their job. Remember, firefighters are no different to any other member of our society.
"Experiencing violence at work can have lasting physical and psychological effects. So, let’s do everything we can to make this year’s Bonfire Night as safe as possible for everyone, including for our crews."
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are also working with partner agencies, including Northumbria Police, to warn people about the consequences of participating in anti-social behaviour.
Chief Inspector David Wheeler, of Northumbria Police, said: "Bonfire Night is not an excuse to carry out dangerous act of violence against our frontline officers. Anyone found to participate in such reckless behaviour can swiftly expect to find themselves before the courts to face justice for their actions.
"Attacks such as these are indefensible, and it is our priority to ensure everyone within our communities is able to come together for a safe and enjoyable Guy Fawkes Night."
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