Emergency services across Greater Manchester faced attacks during Halloween and Bonfire Night as the number of firework- and bonfire-related incidents rose sharply, new figures show.
Data from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) shows firefighters were called to 20 per cent more incidents on Bonfire Night (Thursday, November 5) this year than last year - rising from 274 incidents in 2025 to 328 in 2026.
Figures also show fire crews attended 113 more incidents between Halloween (October 31) and Bonfire Night than last year - a 15 per cent rise from 2025.
Attacks on crews
Firefighters across Greater Manchester were also subjected to a series of attacks while on the job, GMFRS warned.
The fire service said some crews were targeted by fireworks and other objects when carrying out their duties. In one incident, a firefighter was struck by a brick, it said.
Chief fire officer's response
Dave Russel, GMFRS's Chief Fire Officer, said firefighters "work tirelessly" to keep people safe on Bonfire Night - "one of the busiest nights of the year," he said.
He said it is "completely unacceptable" that some crews were attacked while working, adding: "Such behaviour not only puts emergency service personnel at risk of injury but is a huge risk to others, and can also affect our ability to respond to incidents when and where communities need us most."
"While the vast majority of people enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, we continue to urge residents to celebrate safely, attend organised displays where possible, and remember that attacks on firefighters and other emergency service workers will never be tolerated."
Joint police operation
On Bonfire Night, GMFRS officers worked with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in a joint operation in North Manchester, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of fireworks stored within six vehicles in a public car park.
GMP said officers made 17 arrests on Bonfire Night, including eight in Tameside after officers received reports of youths setting off fireworks in Millennium Green Park in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The force also carried out more than 160 stop and searches and seized more than 600 fireworks across Greater Manchester.
Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, who joined crews throughout the Halloween and bonfire period, said: "Bonfire Night is one of the busiest nights of the year for our firefighters, and I saw firsthand the incredible work our crews do to keep people safe.
"We can all play our part by enjoying the celebrations responsibly and making sure our firefighters are not targeted and are safe to respond to people who genuinely need them.
"That work starts long before Bonfire Night, with our teams delivering safety advice in schools and communities and inspecting retailers to make sure fireworks are stored and sold safely."
Greater Manchester's fire service has launched a 'Bang Out Of Order' campaign to highlight the consequences of attacks on emergency service workers and other antisocial behaviour.
