Bonfire Night and the run up to fireworks season is historically one of the busiest times of the year for our crews and colleagues across Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, but also for the Blue Light Community as a whole.

During the build up to this period, the Service have been providing essential fire safety messaging to young people across Tyne and Wear. One example being, our prevention and education officers delivered 70 bonfire engagement sessions to 10,500 students in 27 secondary schools.

Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson said:

“I would like to thank the residents of Tyne and Wear for their continued support throughout what is traditionally our busiest time of year.

“In the lead up to Bonfire Night, we worked closely with our blue light colleagues, local authorities and partner agencies to prepare for the increased demand on our services and to help keep our communities safe.

“Our firefighters, fire control team and support staff worked tirelessly throughout the day and night, responding to incidents across Tyne and Wear and providing reassurance to the public.

“While the vast majority of people celebrated responsibly, it is disappointing that a small minority chose to engage in anti-social behaviour. Attacks on firefighters and emergency service personnel are completely unacceptable. Our crews are there to protect people, property and communities, and no one should face abuse or violence while carrying out their duties.

“I would once again like to thank all of our Service colleagues, partner agencies, and the public for their support.”

In Numbers: Bonfire Night 2026

* Our Fire Control Team received 597* emergency calls reporting Bonfire and Fireworks related incidents (*117 of those calls were taken by colleagues at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and passed onto TWFRS).

* There were 104 incidents on 5 November, a reduction of 22 incidents compared to last year.

* There were 8 primary fires (larger and more serious incidents). This is a reduction of 8 incidents compared with the previous year, down from 16.

* There were 39 secondary fires, (smaller, lower-risk outdoor fires), a reduction of 10 incidents compared to last year.

* There were 4 wheelie bin fires, an increase of 2 incidents compared to last year.

In addition to this:

* Three fire appliances were deliberately targeted whilst firefighters were travelling to/from an incident. The damage included smashed windscreens and windows. 

* There were three confirmed attacks on firefighters on Bonfire Night, maintaining the same level as last year, with a fourth incident currently under review.

Residents can always anonymously report suspicious fires or community fire-related activity by contacting Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558.