“Your actions have consequences” – Fire service warning to Greater Manchester public after firefighters come under attack

Firefighters are urging people to think twice about their actions as part of this year’s Halloween and Bonfire Night safety campaign after a crew in Oldham came under attack last night.

Crews from Hollins Fire Station were responding to reports of a fire in the open in Limeside Park, Park Road, Oldham at 16:32 yesterday (October 29) when a bottle was thrown at their fire engine.

Thankfully neither the crew or the fire engine was damaged, but firefighters are reminding people about the potential consequences of anti-social behaviour and asking people to think twice.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention, Damian O’Rourke, said: “Nobody expects to go to work, especially in a job where they are protecting the community on a daily basis, and have missiles thrown at them. Luckily nobody was hurt but it could have been far worse. Dealing with nuisance fires and anti-social behaviour takes firefighters away from potentially more serious incidents where lives could be at risk in the same community.

“We do see a rise in incidents of this nature as the dark nights set in and as part of our annual Halloween and Bonfire Night campaign, Treacle, I would urge people to think carefully about their actions as behaviour like this can have major consequences.”

On the same night, firefighters were twice called to a mill in Butts Street, Leigh, at 18:04 and 20:14 after receiving reports of fires being started deliberately.

On the first occasion it was reported that a group of children had started a fire inside a mill and three fire engines and a technical response unit attended. They found a fire involving a large quantity of rubbish and used one hose reel to extinguish the fire. Firefighters were at the scene for around 30 minutes.

Crews were called to the grounds of the same mill again just two hours later to reports of a fire. Two fire engines attended and found a fire involving two industrial skips and used two hose reels to extinguish it. Crews were on the scene for around one hour and 15 minutes. The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

Area Manager O’Rourke added: “Incidents like these don’t just take up the invaluable time of our crews but are also extremely dangerous for anyone involved in them. I would urge all parents to make sure you know where your children are and to talk to them about the dangers of starting fires and playing with fireworks.

“If you do encounter a fire or any other emergency, please call 999 immediately.”

For further information and safety advice go to: https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/staying-safe/safe4autumn-treacle/

Article Published: 30/10/2019 14:12 PM