Police to be based at fire stations as emergency crews prepare for Bonfire Night

Police officers will be based at fire stations in and around Glasgow on Bonfire Night as emergency services say they are “well prepared” for what is expected to be one of the busiest nights of the year.

Police Scotland revealed on Tuesday that 20 officers will be based at 10 fire stations across Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire to provide support on November 5.

Working alongside Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), police have said they “absolutely” have enough resources to tackle firework-related crime and anti-social behaviour across the region this year.

“From a Police Scotland perspective, there has been extensive planning that has taken place in the lead-up to November 5, and I can give that assurance that we have a proportionate policing plan put in place, and we have worked alongside our partners to deliver an effective response,” operations superintendent Ross Aitken said.

Police and SFRS met at Kirkintilloch police station on Tuesday morning to inform the public of their Bonfire night plans.

Asked about areas of concern or hotspots for anti-social behaviour in the Glasgow region, Mr Aitken said police have carried out “extensive analysis based on the demand that we have seen in previous years”.

“There are four firework control zones that have been implemented within Glasgow, and we have resources placed in those areas as we speak just now. There will also be a dispersal zone in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow, and again that will have a commensurate policing response to it as well,” he said.

The decision on where to base officers was based on regular dialogue with SFRS and on local calls and intelligence.

Police said Kirkintilloch is one of the areas that will be covered by officers and firefighters together.

“Having our officers on scene alongside firefighting colleagues lets us work collaboratively to secure the scene and ensure it is safe,” Mr Aitken said.

“Officers can call for any additional support required, engage with those involved, gather information and provide reassurance. They can also assess whether any criminality is present and be on hand to manage the incident, supporting an effective, co-ordinated response.”

SFRS area commander and head of preparedness, Mark Cleland, said Bonfire Night is always a “significant night” for the fire service, but added that crews are ready.

“We’re well prepared for Bonfire Night and what we want is for the communities to have a safe event,” he said.

“We want to ensure that our firefighters who are attending shift go home at the end of their shift safe and sound with no injuries.

“With the planning that’s took place along with our partners, hopefully that will be achieved.”

Mr Cleland said Bonfire Night is one of the busiest periods for the fire service.

Last year, he said the fire service took 750 calls at control rooms on Bonfire Night and attended more than 250 bonfires.

Mr Cleland said: “For the public and the communities out there, I would say enjoy the night, but please be safe. What we would recommend is for people to attend an organised event if they can.

“For those that are planning on causing antisocial behaviour or disruption, then Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have a zero tolerance approach to any abuse to our staff, and we will work closely with our partners from police to ensure that doesn’t take place.”