County Durham firefighters and fire engines attacked on Bonfire Night in 'disgusting' scenes
by Owen Younger · ChronicleLiveFire engines and firefighters were attacked in County Durham on Bonfire Night, and the service has condemned the 'disgusting' scenes.
Staff at DDFRS are said to be disheartened following six incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence last night. November 5 is typically the busiest time of year for Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, with a surge in calls coming into their control room over the weekend and into this morning.
Last night, on four occasions, firefighters had lit fireworks directed at them, and two fire engines were damaged after a brick was thrown at them. Fortunately, nobody was injured.
Footage was captured by the Service’s fire engine CCTV, and body worn cameras, and will now be passed on to Durham Constabulary.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps said: "I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – no one goes to work to be assaulted. It’s especially disgusting to attack the very people in our community whose job it is to keep people safe.
"One of our fire engines was damaged and needed to be taken off the run. In the event of a fire, a few minutes difference in arrival time can mean everything and incidents like this could have a real impact on us reaching the people who genuinely need us most.
"Bonfire Night might now be passed for another year; however I ask parents and carers to continue to speak to young people in their households about the dangers and consequences of this anti-social behaviour. And to those engaging in these acts, ask yourself is it worth it?
"Is it worth risking police action and do you feel proud that you’ve taken a fire engine off our streets? A fire engine that could be needed to respond to an emergency concerning your loved ones?"
He added: "However, I do want to take a moment to thank the vast majority of people in our communities who were committed to having a safe, fun and respectful Bonfire Night. I also want to thank the dedicated crews, control and wider staff for their hard work over this very busy period and our police colleagues for their support."
Anyone with information about deliberate fire setting, or dangerous use of fireworks, is encouraged to report it to the Police. You can also report deliberate fire setting to Firestoppers.
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