By Lisa Ramsden
A HALLOWEEN night attack injuring firefighters in Hilltown, when a firework exploded in their vehicle, has been condemned by the Health Minister.
The two crew members were hurt in what Mike Nesbitt said was a “mindless attack”.
The firefighters, who had rushed from Rathfriland to deal with a bonfire, were sitting in the vehicle when the firework exploded.
On hearing of the news, and just days after meeting with members of the emergency service, Minister Nesbitt expressed his disgust.
“No-one should have to face aggression or violence in the course of their job”, Mr Nesbitt stated.
He praised the bravery of frontline firefighters who, he added, “dedicated their lives to protecting others from harm”.
Currently, the law states that if you want to buy, possess and use fireworks in Northern Ireland, except the indoor variety and sparklers, you must have a valid fireworks licence.
Last week’s attack also drew widespread criticism on social media, with locals echoing the Health Minister’s condemnation, as well as wishing the injured firefighters a speedy recovery.
Former local councillor, Gerry O’Hare, commented that he hoped ‘the person who threw the firework understands the gravity of their behaviour’.
Writing on the Hilltown Community Association Facebook page, Mr O’Hare noted that ‘this was an awful experience for the firefighters’ and countered some criticism about who was responsible, by stating ‘most of the young ones are decent and are not out to cause trouble’.
The fire engine had been parked at Factory Lane, when Thursday night’s incident unfolded, around 8pm.
Some residents noted that fireworks had been set off over the course of a number of nights, throughout the week, with one telling fellow locals that a firework ‘just missed our car’, whilst another resident explained he narrowly avoided being struck by one as he left a shop on Main Street.
He said he had been coming of the store around 8.15pm on Halloween night when ‘a firework came across the ground’ towards him before it exploded.
He added that he was fortunate.
‘If I was 10 seconds sooner, I would have walked across the pedestrian crossing to get to my car,’ he continued.
Another local posted that she had been struck on the back, whilst many others said they hoped the person or persons responsible will be identified and prosecuted.
Another woman added that ‘there were kids throwing fireworks right outside our door unsupervised’ earlier in the week.
Describing the recent behaviour as ‘dangerous and reckless’, she added: ‘I wasn’t too sure what could be done about it. It is extremely dangerous, and I hope the firefighters are okay’.
In his strongly worded statement, Minister Nesbitt, whose department is responsible for a number of aspects of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said he was disgusted to hear about the incident.
“I was appalled to hear that two firefighters were injured in this mindless attack last night and I wish to send my best wishes to both of them for a speedy recovery,” he stated.
“No-one should have to face aggression or violence in the course of their job, least of all our frontline firefighters who dedicate their lives to protecting others from harm while carrying out their roles in often very dangerous conditions.
“Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service crews have a challenging enough job without having to contend with an attack like this.
“It was my privilege to meet firefighters last week when I officially opened the newly-refurbished Antrim Fire Station.
“I know I speak for the vast majority of people in commending the dedication and commitment of all our firefighters to serving the community day and night.”
In the wake of last week’s attack on local NIFRS personnel, the emergency service revealed that the Hilltown bonfire was one of 16 attended during Halloween night, and that most of these fires were started by youths.
In total, crews responded to 63 operational incidents from 6pm last Thursday, through to 1am on Friday.
In relation to the attack in Hilltown, a spokeswoman for the service said: “We are aware that this sort of behaviour comes from a small minority of people.
“Our firefighters work tirelessly for the community which they serve and so we encourage people to always act responsibly and stay safe.”
Outlining the night’s statistics, the representative also issued a warning about the dangers of starting fires.
“Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service responded to calls during the night of Halloween celebrations.
“From 6pm on 31 October to 1am on 1 November fire crews responded to 63 operational incidents; 16 of these incidents were bonfire related. Most of these bonfires were started by youths.”
She concluded: “It is important that young people are aware of the damage they are causing to their local community by deliberately starting fires.
“Bonfires can pose a real risk to public safety and property.
“This is particularly relevant in an uncontrolled environment, with factors such as weather conditions, human behaviour, material used, level of supervision and the proximity of the bonfire to surrounding buildings.”