Recent data shows Worcester firefighters are facing increasing assaults, raising concerns about their safety while on duty
It’s pretty shocking to think that some firefighters in Worcester actually got hurt during this time, while many more faced verbal abuse. The fire service is taking this seriously and promises to act against anyone who gets aggressive with their team.
Legal Expert, who made the FOI request, labeled Worcester a hotspot for firefighter assaults, noting 20 incidents over the five years. Evesham had seven cases, and overall, there were 66 incidents in Worcestershire and 25 in Herefordshire.
Interestingly, three of the five slight injuries reported in Herefordshire and Worcestershire happened just a week after Easter in 2023, all during one incident at the Worcester station. While only four cases were physical assaults, there were six instances where people threw things at firefighters.
The numbers show a troubling trend: after 20 reported cases in 2019, there were 13 in 2020 and 15 in 2021. The service recorded 17 assaults in 2022 and another 15 in 2023. Last year alone, firefighters faced attacks 13 times, marking six years in a row where they’ve been assaulted more than once a month on average.
A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service emphasized their commitment to tackling these incidents. They noted that most of the abuse is verbal, and thankfully, physical attacks are rare. It’s crucial for emergency services to work without fear of abuse.
Before stepping down in January, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack called for better protection for firefighters. He stressed that they should be able to respond to emergencies without worrying about being attacked or abused.
