Mother of Firework Burn Victim Highlights Bonfire Night Risks Amid Rising Attacks on Emergency Services

Ellie Mason, a mother from Cwmbran, Torfaen, whose four-year-old daughter was injured by a stray firework, stated that Bonfire Night can rapidly transform from a family celebration into “hell.” In 2018, while Rosie-May and her family were observing a firework display at a friend’s residence, a multi-box flare struck Rosie-May’s neck, causing her to catch fire. Ms. Mason recounted that a 999 operator instructed them to place her daughter in a cold water bath. While the prompt response from emergency services was crucial for Rosie-May, fire and police unions contend that assaults on firefighters are impeding response times and endangering lives. Ms. Mason shared with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that her initial reaction when Rosie-May caught fire was to lift her and attempt to pat down the flames “in blind panic because I didn’t know what to do.” She further explained that she “wouldn’t have known” to use a cold bath for her daughter, stating, “My instinct was to cover [the burn] with cling film.” Rosie-May was initially transported to the Royal Gwent Hospital, then moved to a specialized burns unit at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. Following the incident, she required a chemical bath and skin grafts, remaining hospitalized for five weeks. The swift action of emergency services proved vital for Rosie-May; however, fire and police unions report that assaults against firefighters are causing delays in response times. On the most recent Bonfire Night, police control centers across Wales received more than 1,500 emergency calls. FBU Wales, the Fire Brigades Union, indicated that over the last decade, firefighters have faced a growing number of attacks involving rocks and fireworks, in addition to verbal abuse. Gareth Tovey, representing FBU Wales, commented, “The worst thing is, it means that we need to potentially withdraw from that situation and we have to remember we were only ever there to make sure people are safe.” He further noted that groups of young people frequently record these incidents on their phones, which can significantly impact firefighters. Although Bonfire Night represents the busiest period for firefighters, Mr. Tovey clarified that such assaults are not confined to 5 November, stating, “We certainly see these attacks on crews throughout the year, at different holiday events and through different school holidays.” Data from the Home Office revealed a 60% rise in attacks across the UK over the past decade. Steven Davies, a group manager at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, stated that fire engines are fitted with CCTV, and individuals observed throwing fireworks will face prosecution. He also cautioned those planning personal bonfires against situating them too near their own or others’ residences, as fire crews would extinguish them. He added, “We will work with the police and local authorities to monitor any bonfires which might be too big or too close to properties.” Special PC Ben Johns of South Wales Police reported that officers also encounter abuse on Bonfire Night, and additional patrols are deployed to address anti-social behavior. During a Halloween patrol, Special PC Johns and his team were assaulted by a group who launched fireworks and eggs at their police van. He remarked, “I think it’s something as police officers we shouldn’t be subject to but we are quite resilient, if you were a member of the public and that was happening it would be incredibly scary.” He noted that the van had to be removed from service for safety checks, preventing the team from responding to 999 calls. Special PC Johns expressed his desire for individuals to celebrate Bonfire Night safely, but observed that the occasion consistently leads to a rise in anti-social behavior. Concurrently, South Wales Police announced that officers in Abercynon, Rhondda Cynon Taf, have been granted expanded authority to manage anti-social behavior after an “unsafe” bonfire incident in Nant-Y-Fedw. A dispersal order, encompassing the adjacent vicinity, will affect individuals aged 10 and above and will be active for 48 hours starting 17:00 GMT on Tuesday. South Wales Police further stated that a dispersal order has also been implemented in Butetown and Grangetown, effective from 18:00 on 4 November until 18:00 on 6 November. The Welsh government declared its condemnation “in the strongest terms attacks on members of the emergency services at any time of the year.” It further asserted, “Firefighters should be able to serve the public without fear of being attacked while on duty.”