Two firefighters injured by firework thrown into vehicle

Two firefighters have been injured after a firework was thrown into their vehicle as they attended a bonfire incident in Co Down.

Crews responded to dozens of calls across Northern Ireland on Halloween night.

25% of calls were bonfire-related which were ‘mostly started by youths’ according to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

While crews from Rathfriland Fire Station were attending a bonfire incident in Hilltown, a firework was thrown into the Fire Appliance, causing injury to two firefighters.

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Between 6pm on Thursday and 1am on Friday, fire crews responded to 63 operational incidents.

Several of the incidents were Halloween-related, including 16 bonfires.

It is a 43% increase compared to last year when fire crews responded to 44 operational incidents including one bonfire - a slight increase from the same period in 2022.

A NIFRS spokesperson: “It is important that young people are aware of the damage they are causing to their local community by deliberately starting fires,” they said.

“Bonfires can pose a real risk to public safety and property. This is particularly relevant in an uncontrolled environment with factors such as weather conditions, human behaviour, material used, level of supervision and the proximity of the bonfire to surrounding buildings.

“Additionally, whilst firefighters from Rathfriland Fire Station were attending a bonfire incident in Hilltown, a firework was thrown into the fire appliance causing injury to two firefighters. We are aware that this sort of behaviour comes from a small minority of people and we appeal for this type of behaviour to stop.

“Our firefighters work tirelessly for the community which they serve and so we encourage people to always act responsibly and stay safe.”

Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt condemned the “mindless” attack on the firefighters.

Mr Nesbitt said: “I was appalled to hear that two firefighters were injured in this mindless attack last night and I wish to send my best wishes to both of them for a speedy recovery.

“No-one should have to face aggression or violence in the course of their job, least of all our frontline firefighters who dedicate their lives to protecting others from harm while carrying out their roles in often very dangerous conditions. Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service crews have a challenging enough job without having to contend with an attack like this.”