Holly Lynch, Bradford MP Judith Cummins and Chair of the Fire Authority Councillor Judith Hughes joined West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service(WYFRS) crews on Saturday (4th November) to experience life as a firefighter on a busy bonfire weekend night.

Fire Chiefs described the evening as ‘busy but quieter than last year’ and called for a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night tonight.

On Saturday evening crews came under attack twice in the Bradford area and once whilst an engine was returning to Halifax fire station.

Holly said: “On Saturday I witnessed first hand incredible partnership working from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Yorkshire Police, which has ensured our communities could enjoy themselves, and stay safe over bonfire weekend.

“However, it was disappointing that once again, crews in West Yorkshire were subject to attacks and had fireworks thrown at them whilst they were trying to do their jobs.

“The ‘Protect The Protectors’ bill will create a new offence of assaulting an emergency service worker to send a strong message that it is absolutely unacceptable to assault our 999 responders.

“The new law is currently progressing through the House of Commons and my experiences on shift this week will help shape it to make sure that it provides all the necessary protections firefighters require to stay safe whilst doing their jobs.”

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton added: “We are pleased to report that whilst busy, we experienced a quieter night on Saturday than last year. Notwithstanding this, our crews came under attack from a minority of mindless idiots on two occasions in the Bradford area and once as they returned to Halifax fire station. Fortunately none of these incidents resulted in injury.

“As Bonfire Night itself commences we have seen already one attack on our crews and we urge people to think twice about this reckless behaviour.”