News and events

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has condemned an attack on firefighters who had fireworks fired at them while responding to an incident on Greenthorn Crescent in Preston on Bonfire Night.

Firefighters were called to the incident at around 6.06pm following reports of a bonfire that had spread to an electricity cable and a lamp post. One fire engine attended the incident but whilst firefighters were extinguishing the fire, fireworks were fired at them

Chief Fire Officer, Jon Charters, says:

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the deliberate attack on our firefighters, who had fireworks fired at them while responding to an incident on Greenthorn Crescent in Preston last night. This was reckless, dangerous and utterly unacceptable. There is no excuse for attacking emergency service workers.

“Our firefighters are there to protect people and property, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances. They should never have to face deliberate attacks while carrying out their duties. This is not a joke or harmless behaviour: it puts lives at risk and threatens the safety of the very community we are there to protect.

“Thankfully, no one was injured, but that does not lessen the seriousness of what happened. Fireworks can cause serious injury, and targeting our crews can prevent them from dealing with an emergency and helping people who urgently need them.

“We will work closely with the police to help identify those responsible and bring them to justice. Attacks on our firefighters will not be tolerated. We urge parents, carers and members of the community to make clear that this behaviour is dangerous and unacceptable, and that those responsible must face the consequences.”