Fire Brigades Union advises firefighters against assisting in police protest response

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Fire Brigades Union issues guidance for firefighters during Oxford protests

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has advised its members not to participate in law enforcement activities during an ongoing protest in central Oxford.

Firefighters were reported to have attended an automatic fire alarm incident earlier today at the Radcliffe Camera library.

This guidance follows similar instances in Leicestershire, where police reportedly requested support from fire and rescue services to assist in the removal of protestors.

Firefighting is a humanitarian profession, says FBU

The FBU reiterated that the primary role of firefighters is humanitarian and separate from law enforcement duties.

Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, emphasised this position, stating: “Firefighting is a humanitarian profession, completely independent of law enforcement.

“The role of a firefighter is to protect the community and save lives, and does not include assisting the police response to protests or the removal of protestors.”

The union clarified that firefighters should focus solely on their core responsibilities, including responding to emergencies and saving lives.

FBU highlights support for the right to protest

The FBU expressed its ongoing support for the right to protest, citing its long-standing position on issues of peace and justice.

Steve Wright added: “The Fire Brigades Union advises all firefighters to refuse to participate in law enforcement activities alongside the police.

“We have a long history of supporting the right to protest, as well as peace and justice for Palestine.”

The union’s stance reinforces its independence from law enforcement while maintaining its commitment to humanitarian principles.

Background on police requests for fire service assistance

Previous incidents in Leicestershire highlighted similar situations where fire and rescue services were asked to assist police during demonstrations.

The FBU’s guidance aims to ensure that firefighters are not drawn into roles that could conflict with their professional remit.

Fire Brigades Union issues guidance for firefighters during Oxford protests: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has advised firefighters not to assist police in removing protestors during a demonstration in central Oxford.

Earlier today, firefighters responded to an automatic fire alarm at the Radcliffe Camera library.

The FBU, citing its humanitarian focus, has clarified that firefighters should not engage in law enforcement activities, including the removal of protestors.

General secretary Steve Wright stated that the union supports the right to protest and highlighted its history of advocating for peace and justice.

The guidance follows similar requests made in Leicestershire, where police sought fire service assistance during protests.

IAFF shows support for firefighters during US riots

by ActiveAmericas - Projects

Protests and riots have been spreading throughout the United States in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis policeman.

In Richmond, Virginia, rioters blocked a fire truck from responding to a burning home. Protesters had intentionally set the fire at the home, and there was a child inside. In Philadelphia during a 24-hour period, the fire department responded to dozens of fires, including a two-alarm fire in North Philly after a weekend of looting.

In Sacramento, California, crews battled a fire that spread through the back of a business; while fighting the 5-alarm fire, 200 personnel worked to keep the flames away from small propane tanks and dozens of cars. When Grand Rapids, Michigan, firefighters arrived to put out a dumpster fire, someone threw a large firecracker or other explosive toward a firefighter as he jumped out of a truck. The explosive knocked him to the ground, and he clutched at his ears.

In Minneapolis, firefighters raced from one blaze to the next, often with police along for crowd control. One night during the protests, the Minneapolis Fire Department responded to 30 fire events including at least 16 structure fires. Department vehicles were damaged from thrown rocks and other projectiles. The level of the unrest prompted the International Association of Fire Fighters to issue a statement.

Throwing rocks, fireworks and directing violence toward fire fighters, paramedics and EMTs is never acceptable”

“Peaceful protests by our neighbours exercising their First Amendment rights across America are being interrupted by violence and unrest,” said Harold A. Schaitberger, IAFF General President. “In the middle of the challenges and turmoil, I am proud of our IAFF fire fighters, paramedics and EMTs who are once again proving their dedication to keeping their communities safe when they are needed most.”

“Throwing rocks, fireworks and directing violence toward firefighters, paramedics and EMTs is never acceptable,” he added. “As always, the safety of our members Is our top priority. So, it was with disappointment and outrage that I witness our members – who are integral to keeping everyone, including protesters, safe – attacked over the weekend.”

Schaitberger citied incidents in Atlanta, Austin, Cleveland, Minneapolis and St. Paul in which members were subjected to having bricks and large fireworks hurled their way, simply for doing their jobs.

“Firefighters will continue to respond when needed; it is their job and their calling,” said Schaitberger, who offered a plea on behalf of the 320,000 IAFF members: “Please allow your fire fighters on the frontlines to do that job, keeping everyone safe, without violence or incident.” He added: “To our members, stay safe and know that this IAFF has your back.”