Emergency Service Worker Assaults Denounced Ahead of Bonfire Period

A high-ranking fire official has expressed that assaults on emergency service personnel are “not acceptable,” particularly as these incidents occur during one of their most demanding times annually. Last year in Greater Manchester, the period leading up to Bonfire Night saw an increase in attacks on firefighters, false emergency calls, and other forms of anti-social conduct. During this time, 1,167 fires were intentionally set. Additionally, the region recorded 731 instances of anti-social behaviour involving fireworks, and emergency services responded to 1,017 fake calls. Ben Levy, who serves as the head of operations for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, stated: “That’s just not acceptable – that our firefighters go to work to serve their communities and are subject to attacks.” He further noted that 22 GMFRS firefighters experienced assaults in advance of the Bonfire period in 2023. Deputy mayor Kate Green attributed the disturbances to a “minority” of individuals, advising: “If your child is planning to go out during this period, make sure you know where they are, what they are doing and how to contact them.” Legally, individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing or using fireworks, and those who assault firefighters face potential imprisonment for as long as two years.