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Attacks on firefighters may be much higher than government figures reveal, according to new information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Fire Brigades Union. The FBU claims that attacks recorded in England and Wales are four times the official figures, and that attacks on firefighters are in fact 15% up year on year, rather than 68% down.
Figures from the Communities and Local Government department show that attacks fell from 1,300 in 2005-6 to only 400 in 2006-7, but figures obtained directly from fire services by the FBU show that attacks rose to 1,504 in 2006-7, an increase of 15%.
In Scotland, the figures for annual attacks are complied by H M Fire Service Inspectorate, and these correspond more closely to the FBU’s figures. Official figures show there were 316 attacks on firefighters in 2006-7, compared to the FBU’s figure of 309.
Fire crews report being threatened, intimidated and abused, and being pelted with bricks, bottles, and stones as they fight fires. Other incidents include ambushes, booby traps and being attacked with lumps of wood, knives and a petrol bomb. In some areas abuse, threats and attacks are so frequent they are no longer reported. One fire authority, Tyne and Wear, has distributed ‘spit kits’ to fire crews to collect DNA from those abusing and spitting at them.
“These figures alone would be cause for concern but we know that incidents of intimidation, threats and abuse are simply not being reported,” said FBU general secretary Matt Wrack. “These attacks are a major cause of concern for firefighters. It is almost beyond belief that fire crews are attacked and abused while fighting fires and trying to save lives. Yet in some areas attacking fire crews has become a recreational activity with very serious consequences. It cannot be part of anyone’s job to face abuse, threats or attacks.”
The report – Easy Targets? – was compiled by the Labour Research Department for the Fire Brigades Union. It found that some fire and rescue services have well developed policies for tackling violence towards fire service personnel. But others don’t, and often fire crews who are assaulted and injured are treated in the same way as any other sickness absence.
The FBU accused Whitehall of neglecting the problem and called for a government-led strategy aimed at significantly reducing attacks.
To view the full report, click on the link below: