Drop in Bonfire Night attacks on firefighters

The number of attacks on firefighters in West Yorkshire around Bonfire Night has fallen to its lowest level in five years, according to a report.

The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority (WYFRA) document states there were six incidents between 29 October and 12 November, compared to 16 in 2024, nine in 2022 and 2023 and 17 in 2021.

The county's deputy chief fire officer said there were no injuries as a result of the latest incidents, which is "testament to the planning, tactical and strategic approaches".

The number of incidents the fire service was called to during the two-week period has also fallen to its lowest level in five years, according to the report.

Referring to the 2025 attacks on fire crews, the report said five involved something being thrown at officers or vehicles and one involved verbal abuse.

The number of overall incidents the service responded to over the fortnight was 151 for 2025.

The service attended 196 incidents last year, with 159 in 2023, 162 in 2022 and 176 in 2021.

"The number of incidents in each district on 5 November are reasonably consistent," the report states.

It said Bonfire Night planning began in February and was a multi-agency effort.

Efforts to reduce incidents involving fireworks include engagement and education work with schools and other partners, it said.

WYFRA said there had also been a drop in the number of licences to store explosives being granted and applied for.

This followed changes in the way licences were awarded, it said, with enhanced police checks on applications making it harder for people to apply for last-minute licences.

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