Pets killed in Hull house fire after firework put through resident's letterbox in bonfire night chaos

The fire occurred at the house on Thorpepark Road in the city shortly after 8pm last night (Thursday), the fire service said.

It followed a night of attacks on firefighters across the country in spite of bonfire night this year being celebrated at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A brief update on Humberside Fire and Rescue Service's website this morning said firefighters were called to reports of a "fire involving property due to a firework through a letterbox", adding that the blaze had spread to a neighbouring property "via soffits and guttering" which led to it being destroyed.

"One dog and two cats were found deceased in the property", according to the service.

Fortunately, the occupants inside the building were able to get out in time.

One man suffered smoke inhalation and burns to his hand in the fire, and was given oxygen and treated by paramedics at the scene.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) today condemned "mindless attacks" reported against emergency service workers last night, which included incidents in Humberside.

Attacks across the country last night included fireworks, stones and bricks being thrown at crews while they responded to callouts.

In West Yorkshire, 260 emergency calls were made to the fire and rescue Service as crews attended 234 bonfire night incidents by 10.30pm. They included an attack on a taxi driver and a woman left injured after youths launched fireworks at cars in Leeds.

Chris Lowther, chairman of NFCC’s operations committee and chief fire officer for Tyne and Wear, said: “Attacking firefighters is abhorrent, if one or two members of staff are injured on a shift this can result in fire appliances having to be taken off the road while other staff are called in.

“This leaves communities at risk if there is a major incident.

“I am disgusted to hear of firefighters being attacked when trying to protect the communities they serve; ultimately saving lives.

“We need to see custodial sentences handed out – it is clear we need a deterrent which makes people think twice.”

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