The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended more than 1,000 calls from the public during an eight-hour period on Bonfire Night. 

There were also six reported attacks on crews within three hours, however no injuries have been reported.  

Two attacks took place in Edinburgh, three in Clydebank, and one in Blackridge in West Lothian. 

Initial figures indicate that crews responded to approximately 347 bonfires and 598 incidents across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, 5 November.  

In the run up to the event, SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires with a message to consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services. 

Andy Watt, Deputy Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline crews. 

“Operations Control firefighters answered over 1,000 calls tonight and have once again worked tirelessly to ensure we respond to those who need us the most. 

“Unfortunately, several of our crews came under attack across Scotland, with six attacks within three hours. 

“Crews were bombarded with missiles and fireworks while responding to emergency incidents. 

“These attacks prevent our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, and 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 across the Bonfire period.” 

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.

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