Fire crews had to respond to more than 400 incidents in Greater Manchester over this past bonfire weekend.
It was subsequently named “one of the busiest weekends of the year”.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said in a statement on its website that North West Fire Control (NWFC) received 701 calls between 5pm on Friday 5 November and 8am on Monday 8 November, and that GMFRS responded to 431 incidents – which is a significant increase from last year, when firefighters attended 276 incidents.
While firefighters worked hard to keep the public safe, unfortunately some crews came under attack.
“Our firefighters did a brilliant job keeping the public safe during bonfire celebrations this weekend [and] I’d like to thank all staff and emergency services involved for working hard over a busy weekend,” said Dave Russel, Chief Fire Officer at GMFRS.
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Greater Manchester firefighters responded to hundreds of calls over Bonfire Night weekend 🚒
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) November 8, 2021
“Unfortunately, while attending some incidents, crews were met with physical or verbal abuse [and] I have heard personally from colleagues the shocking incidents that took place.
“Thankfully, no one was hurt, however I would like to remind the public that this behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
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“Attacking emergency service workers is also a criminal offence.”
Just before 6pm on Friday 5 November, crews attended an incident in Oldham on Arundel Street and were subject to an attack, and then later that evening just after 11pm, firefighters from Blackley were attacked with fireworks on Ash Tree Road, and alongside that, fireworks were also thrown at a fire engine when attending an incident in Manchester on Atlantic Walk at approximately 9pm on Friday – but thankfully, no one was hurt during any of the incidents.
Other incidents attended over the weekend included deliberate wheelie bin fires, and bonfires on parks and public land, GMFRS revealed.
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👨🚒 Our fire crews have responded to 232 incidents this evening.
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) November 5, 2021
“GMFRS, alongside Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and North West Fire Control did a fantastic job keeping Greater Manchester communities safe, particularly during this busy period of the year,” said Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
“I would like to thank the public for following the firework safety advice from the Bang Out of Order campaign and supporting the emergency services so they can help keep people safe – however, hearing that some crews and police were subject to attacks with fireworks is unacceptable.
“Our emergency workers work hard every day keeping the public safe and should not have to deal with abuse.”
Featured Image – GMFRS | Pixabay
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
Emily Sergeant -
9th November 2021 
