Fire crews attended 270 incidents across Greater Manchester, as we worked alongside partners to help keep communities safe on Bonfire Night.
North West Fire Control (NWFC), who take calls for the service, handled 478 calls on Bonfire Night (4pm Tuesday 5 November to 8am Wednesday 6 November), with crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) attending 270 incidents. Both figures are up on 2023, when 277 calls were received and fire crews were mobilised to 178 incidents.
Incidents attended included many uncontrolled or unattended bonfires. There were also several isolated instances of anti-social behaviour with partners from Greater Manchester Police helping to control this.
This included on Vine Street in Gorton where people were found to be lighting a fire on waste ground and throwing fireworks and missiles, causing damage to the surrounding area. When GMFRS crews attended alongside GMP all crews were unfortunately targeted with fireworks. Thankfully no injuries were sustained.
11 arrests were made on the night for a number of offences, ranging from violent disorder to drugs and possession of a bladed article.
Officers responded to 507 calls for service around ASB, of which 203 were firework related.
The majority of Greater Manchester enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and GMFRS would like to thank the public for this.
This year saw a decrease in deliberate fires and hoax calls, although the number of incidents directly involving fireworks did increase.
Sarah Nattrass, GMFRS’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said:
“I saw firsthand the tireless work our crews carried out over Bonfire Night. They worked incredibly hard to deal with fires in often tough conditions.
“It is regrettable to see once again our crews just trying to do their jobs be targeted by anti-social behaviour, risking causing serious injuries to our firefighters and our emergency service partners.
“However, it is only a very small number who engage in this abhorrent behaviour, and I would like to thank the vast majority of residents who take part in Bonfire Night safely and engage positively with our firefighters if needed.”
