The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has released a video condemning attacks on firefighters as new data reveals that between 2015-2021 there were more than 3,800 attacks on firefighters around the UK.
In England alone, 935 firefighters were attacked in 2021, an increase of 4% on the previous year.
Last year, hundreds of firefighters around the country came under attack in the run-up to bonfire night.
In Scotland, 63 firefighters were attacked in 2021 – an increase of 19%. Bonfire night attacks represent around 17% of that figure each year.
Firefighters had fireworks thrown at them, and others were attacked with BB guns.
In the video below, firefighters share their own stories of coming under attack.
A spokesperson for the NFCC said:
‘We fully support the #WorkWithoutFear campaign, highlighting shocking attacks on emergency services workers.
‘We call for a full stop to this appalling behaviour on people who are carrying out their jobs with the sole aim of protecting people, lives and property.’
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The usual empty posturing by the top brass. What should happen is that firefighters be allowed and indeed encouraged to turn their hoses and any other equipment on those attacking them. If injury is visited upon such rioters and low lives, tough. That will teach them to mess with emergency workers.
Indeed, if they get closer and start using weapons, firefighters should be free to respond in kind. Firemen carry axes. Do not mess with them.
Instead, the attackers are rarely found and if they are, receive a nonsense sentence. If any worker defends himself, he gets prosecuted for assault. This nonsense must stop.
Attack fire staff and you will be well and truly hosed down and that is just for starters. Attack a copper and you will receive a proper hiding and attack ambulance staff at your peril. They have cupboards full of drugs that would make excellent weapons.
The gobshites of the world need to learn that there are certain people you simply do not mess with and if you do, you will certainly come second. Perhaps then a bit of sense and balance will return to our streets.