Fireworks modified to be used as weapons seized over Bonfire Night period

Fire chiefs recently told councillors from across the region about how they coped with the 2025 Bonfire season – the busiest time of the year for the service.

A report to a meeting of West Yorkshire Fire Authority heard seizures of fireworks in the period uncovered some that had handles added to them so they could be more easily wielded as weapons.

But members were also told that this year’s Bonfire period saw the lowest number of attacks on firefighters in in five years.

Over the bonfire season there were six attacks on firefighters in West Yorkshire – a 62.5 per cent reduction on the previous year.

David Teggart, area manager, said the wet weather in November playing a big part in the reduction in incidents.

Work in local communities, intervention with over 900 people who were deemed likely to get involved in anti-social behaviour, and raids on firework sellers also helped reduce issues this year, he added.

On these raids, a report to the Authority said: “During the two weeks leading up to November 10, officers had seized over 1,200 packs of fireworks with a retail value in excess of £50,000.

“Some of the fireworks seized had been modified to incorporate handles allowing them to be used in a similar manner to a weapon.”

Councillor Taj Salam said he “could not believe” the cost of some of the fireworks on sale, adding: “People are paying good money to make a nuisance of themselves.”

He said the fireworks issue was not limited to the Bonfire period, pointing out that there were hundreds of complaints about anti-social firework use over the Summer.

He expressed shock that people were now modifying fireworks.

Coun Israr Ahmed said those who attack firefighters should be dealt with harshly, adding: “We should say ‘if you take a pop at a firefighter you could be in a lot of trouble.’”

Mr Teggart said identifying those who attack firefighters was a big issue.

He said: “Fireworks are unusual in some respects as people can stand behind a corner, fire a firework and hide fairly well. We can often record something has happened but it is difficult to identify people.

"If you get into an altercation with someone standing in front of you it is much easier. We’re going to introduce the option of body worn cameras soon.”