Damage to a fire engine following an attack on Bonfire Night.
Firefighters at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service have been left feeling disheartened following six incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence towards crews on Bonfire Night.
November 5 and the lead up is typically the busiest time of year for the Service and this year has been no different, with a surge in calls coming into their control room over the weekend into this morning (November 6).
Between 5pm and 8pm on November 5 there were 170 calls to the Control Room.
Sadly, last night on four occasions crews had lit fireworks directed at them and two fire engines were damaged after a brick and other missiles were thrown at them.
Fortunately, no one was injured.
Footage has been captured by the Service’s fire engine CCTV and body worn cameras and will 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.”
He added: “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 Police through their website or by calling 101.
You can also report deliberate fire setting to Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558 or through their website.
