Firefighter recalls ‘horrible’ moment her crew was targeted by fireworks

A firefighter has described the “really horrible” moment her crew was targeted with fireworks during a callout to an unofficial bonfire last year.

Watch commander Debbie McCafferty said the incident happened while she and her on-call crewmates were attending the site of the fire in Carluke, South Lanarkshire.

She explained that after engaging with the crowd that was present, she and her colleagues were extinguishing the bonfire when a firework was let off in their direction.

The experienced firefighter recalled: “There were loads of people around the bonfire.

“As we began to extinguish it and the crowd began to disperse, we heard a whistling noise.

“I looked around to my left and an unexploded firework had hit a trainee firefighter on his leg. We both instinctively kicked it away and then it went off.

“It was horrible, really horrible. Thankfully everyone was okay, but all it would have taken was for the firework to get stuck in his tunic or for it to have landed in front of us and it would have caused severe injuries.”

Ms McCafferty, who has been a whole-time firefighter since 2002, added: “We’re there trying to do a job and keep people safe. We’re not targets and we don’t deserve to be treated like that.”

The firework struck Scott Stephenson, who said it “could have been a lot worse”.

“It was quite dark, and I was stood making sure the fire was out when I heard a whistle,” he said.

“I felt something strike my leg and my colleague pulled me to the side as the firework exploded.

“It was a scary situation and could have been a lot worse.

“My family were very upset and angry when they found out.”

Ms McCafferty said the safest way to enjoy the bonfire season is to attend an organised firework event or bonfire display.

She also called on those having events at home to do so safely.

“Have a good time and enjoy yourself but do it in a safe manner,” she said.

“Don’t put yourself at risk and don’t ruin anyone else’s fun.

“Respect other people and consider the impact of fireworks on animals.

“We’re not there to ruin anyone’s fun, we just want to keep people safe – and that includes ourselves.”

Key safety information, including the Bonfire Code, can be found on the SFRS website, which also contains a full and updated list of all public firework events taking place across Scotland.