Over 300 incidents reported to the Fire Service over Bonfire Night

Firefighters responded to an increased number of incidents

Fire crews from across Greater Manchester attended more than 200 incidents during a busy Bonfire Night.

After a relatively quiet year in 2020, firefighters responded to a range of calls to help protect communities and keep people safe.

North West Fire Control (NWFC) received 347 calls between 4pm on Friday and 8am today Saturday, with crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) attending 218 incidents. This is an increase compared to last year, when 202 incidents were attended.

Crews were called out to several incidents involving bonfires and fireworks at domestic properties. At one such incident in Wythenshawe, a man suffered burns and was later taken to hospital by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service.

Firefighters also tackled bin fires, unattended bonfires, and tree fires throughout the evening. At around 10.30pm, firefighters were called to reports of a vehicle on fire in a field in Worsley. Crews arrived quickly and used a hose reel to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters were met with anti-social behaviour when responding to some incidents, forcing them to withdraw. At incidents in Openshaw, Cheetham Hill and Blackley, crews faced verbal abuse and, in some instances, people throwing fireworks.

Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel said: “Bonfire Night is always a particularly busy evening for all of Greater Manchester’s emergency services. Working with Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and North West Fire Control, our firefighters did a fantastic job keeping our communities safe.

“Unfortunately, there were a handful of incidents where crews were met with verbal or physical abuse as they arrived. Thankfully no-one was harmed, though I would like to remind the public that this behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

In Moston, police officers were attacked with fireworks and other missles after attending reports of an assault.  Two men have been arrested.

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