Hero firefighters attacked as they try to tackle more than 500 bonfires on Guy Fawkes Night across Scotland

A Scottish fire chief has condemned attacks on his officers as “completely unacceptable” after crews were called to put out more than 500 bonfires across the country last night.

Initial figures indicate that Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews responded to approximately 511 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Thursday, November 5. 

Operations Control handled more than 1,100 calls from members of the public - but there were also 12 reported attacks on crews.

SFRS said no firefighter injuries have been reported.

In the service’s West division alone, crews put out 356 bonfires, and reported seven attacks on their firefighters.

Meanwhile there were three attacks reported in the East division, and a further two in its North division.

The news comes after fire service appeals for people to consider the consequences of their actions, and a warning against deliberate fire setting.

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, SFRS Director of Service Delivery, said: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year.

Initial figures indicate that Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews responded to approximately 511 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Thursday, November 5.

"Our frontline crews and Operations Control personnel and support staff have shown extreme dedication over this period and I would like to pay tribute to their professionalism and resilience.

"I must also thank our partners and indeed communities across Scotland for their continuing support.” 

Libby Logan, SFRS Area Commander for Operations Control added: "This was a busy and challenging evening, but I would like to praise our Operations Control staff who have once again worked tirelessly to ensure we respond to those who need us the most.

"Their dedication has allowed us to meet this challenge and continue to protect communities throughout Bonfire Night."

Condemning attacks on emergency service workers, Assistant Chief Officer Stevens added: "Attacks on emergency service workers are completely unacceptable. 

"This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues including the police when they must escort us at the scene.

"This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”

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