Firefighters in Scotland face hostility during Bonfire night operations

by Featured NewsSafety

Scotland’s firefighters target of attacks on Bonfire Night

During the observance of Bonfire Night, Scottish firefighters encountered a series of attacks while responding to emergencies across the nation.

According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), crews were met with aggression in various instances throughout Scotland, intensifying the challenges faced during one of their busiest times of the year.

Fire crews maintain service amidst hostility

In a night marred by instances of public disorder, the SFRS responded to numerous calls, tackling bonfires and fireworks-related incidents.

The night’s events took a grave turn as crews became targets of violence, leading to the damage of vital firefighting equipment.

There were nine reported instances of hostility directed at crews within an eight-hour window on the night traditionally associated with fireworks and public celebrations.

The affected areas included Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Blantyre in South Lanarkshire, and Blackburn in West Lothian.

Resilience amid adversity for Scottish fire teams

Despite these disturbances, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service praises its staff for their professionalism and remains committed to ensuring community safety.

The attacks, accumulating to a total of fifteen over the past week, were widely condemned by SFRS officials as they underscore the dangers faced by emergency responders.

No injuries but damage sustained

Although no injuries were reported, the impact of these confrontations was felt keenly, with one appliance in West Lothian suffering a smashed windscreen due to a brick attack, causing its withdrawal from service.

These incidents followed a spate of similar altercations in the lead-up to the evening, with four occurrences in Ayrshire and Edinburgh and additional attacks in Troon and Glasgow over the preceding weekend.

A small minority responsible for attacks

Assistant Chief Officer Andy Watt of the SFRS expressed his disapproval: “Attacks on our firefighters are completely unacceptable.

“Our staff should be able to carry out their role without being attacked. It is disappointing that people have tried to hurt firefighters and have damaged our appliances.”

He emphasised the collective effort required to handle emergencies, highlighting the role of community support in maintaining safety: “This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a small minority within society and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”

Heavy call volume managed by firefighters

On Bonfire Night, the SFRS dealt with a high volume of calls, mobilizing responses to roughly 355 bonfires from late afternoon into the midnight hours.

In preparation for the night, the SFRS had issued public appeals to raise awareness about the potential dangers of fireworks and bonfires.

Watt commended his team’s commitment during this demanding period: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest nights of the year.

“We put a huge amount of planning and preparation into this evening with local partners and other emergency services in order to protect communities, which is always our top priority.

“I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline personnel, our Operations Control staff and our support staff who have shown incredible commitment over this busy period.

“Their dedication has allowed us to continue to protect communities throughout Scotland on Bonfire Night.”

The SFRS provided a call response breakdown: the West SDA received 502 calls with three attacks on crews, the East SDA had 306 calls and four crew attacks, and the North SDA encountered 84 calls with two attacks on crews.

Further details on the incidents and any subsequent reviews or updates remain forthcoming.

IFSJ Comment

The pattern of attacks on firefighters in Scotland over the Bonfire Night period shines a light on the unpredictable nature of emergency services work.

With fire crews putting their lives on the line, it’s a stark reminder of the volatility they face, especially during high-risk events like Bonfire Night.

The unyielding commitment of these teams, despite direct threats to their safety, is a testament to their dedication to public service.

Moreover, the incidents highlight the importance of community awareness and cooperation in ensuring the safety and efficiency of emergency responses, which is crucial for the well-being of both the public and first responders.

Scotland’s firefighters tackle almost 100k emergency incidents in a year

by Featured News

In a recent release, data reveals that Scottish firefighters attended more than 99,500 emergency incidents in the last year.

The Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics for 2022-23, unveiled on Tuesday, 31 October 2023, were presented alongside the Annual Performance Review (APR) in Aberdeen.

The figures highlight some interesting trends and shifts in the challenges faced by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

Over half of the incidents were false alarms

The data paints a clear picture: more than half of the reported incidents were false alarms.

However, firefighters still had their hands full, responding to 4,305 dwelling fires.

This number marks a decline, being down seven percent from the previous year.

On the other hand, the number of flooding incidents witnessed a surge.

There were 3,139 cases in 2022-23, a considerable increase from the 1,617 recorded the year prior.

Feedback and insights from the APR event in Scotland

The APR offers the Scottish Government a platform to formally assess the performance of SFRS against a set of previously established priorities.

Chief Officer Ross Haggart stated: “Our people are our greatest asset, displaying dedication and professionalism daily as they carry out their roles in our communities.

“Their physical and mental health will remain a priority. They must continue to have the right equipment to carry out their varied role and to keep them safe.”

Haggart further explained that there is a significant need for investment in infrastructure, saying: “We have substantial work to do to bring our estate up to standard and so we must ensure the right projects are being prioritised to deliver best value for money to the public.

“We will also continue to progress a joint approach to the management of contaminants, focusing especially on creating a recording system for staff exposed to fire contaminants.”

Financial challenges on the horizon for the SFRS

The APR report also shed light on imminent financial obstacles the Service might face. Based on the projections provided by SFRS, savings between £37 and £48 million would be required in the coming three years.

This forecast arises from the Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review, which had suggested a static budget for both resource and capital expenditure for the period from 2023/24 to 2026/27.

Emphasising the challenges ahead, Chief Officer Haggart remarked: “We remain committed to the modernisation of our service to do more for our communities, but this requires investment.

“We cannot realistically reduce costs to this extent without impacting on our frontline emergency service.”

Siobhan Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, commented: “The Review and Annual Report provides everyone with the ability to consider the Service’s performance and the work that has been carried out over the past year.

“This is the first full reporting year under the seven priorities within the Scottish Government 2022 Fire Framework which outlines the ambitions and priorities for the SFRS.”

IFSJ Comment

The report from the Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics 2022-23 offers a comprehensive insight into the multifaceted challenges faced by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Notably, the rise in flooding incidents underscores the changing landscape of emergencies that services must be equipped for.

While the decrease in dwelling fires is a positive sign, the Service’s financial challenges ahead could pose significant hurdles in maintaining such improvements.

It’s evident that sustained investment, modernisation, and community-centric approaches will be paramount for SFRS as they navigate the years ahead.

Deliberate fire-setting incidents decrease by over one-third in Scotland around Bonfire Night

by Featured NewsSafety

Drop in deliberate fire-setting

Deliberate fire-setting in Scotland has decreased by over a third leading up to Bonfire Night.

According to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) figures, the number of intentional fires in the three weeks preceding 5 November dropped from 1,302 in 2018 to 907 – marking a 35% reduction.

Regional analysis of fire-setting incidents

The data also highlighted a 40% decrease in deliberate fire-setting in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Similarly, East, North, and South Ayrshire witnessed a 53% reduction, whereas the Falkirk and West Lothian areas saw a 25% decline.

Most of these incidents primarily consisted of outdoor fires affecting refuse and woodlands, but hundreds of building and vehicle fires were also reported.

Emphasis on prevention and education

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Iain Macleod, SFRS Head of Prevention and Protection, attributes the decline to continuous prevention efforts including school visits.

He commented: “We do so much more than simply responding to fires and prevention is always a key pillar of our work.”

Every year at this time of year our crews are mobilised to deal with deliberately set bonfires and to help people injured by the careless use of fireworks – particularly children and young people.

“But we always want to prevent fires, accidents or injuries from occurring in the first place.

“In the build-up to the Bonfire Night period, we work tirelessly to engage directly with schools and community groups to educate our young people on the dangers of deliberate fire-setting, bonfires, and fireworks.

“Clearly we welcome any fall in this type of activity as this reduces the risk to the wider community and the impact this type of behaviour can have on our firefighters.”

Scotland’s firefighters and safety teams visit numerous primary and secondary schools each year to provide safety presentations and make students aware of the hazards of bonfires and fireworks.

In the past year alone, SFRS engaged with over 600 schools and reached more than 8,000 young individuals aged between 10 and 14.

The young attendees receive guidance on injury prevention, emergency procedures, and the legalities surrounding fireworks in Scotland.

Safety reminders for the public

DACO Macleod also emphasised the dangers of hosting events at home. Research from the Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) indicates that most incidents and injuries during the Bonfire Night period happen at private residences.

He advised: “We want people to enjoy themselves however this must be done safely and responsibly.

“Our message is clear – leave fireworks to the professionals and attend an organised event where possible.

“If anyone is thinking about hosting a private event involving flame or fireworks, please ensure you are aware of the laws around the use of fireworks and always follow the Fireworks Code to keep everyone safe.”

David McGill, Lead Clinician for COBIS and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Scotland’s Burn Hub, added: “Unfortunately we see a rise in burn injuries around Bonfire Night, in both adults and children.

“We carry out an annual audit of firework injuries across Scotland, and last year there were 41 injuries recorded over the four-week period around Guy Fawkes night.

“The majority of these occurred at private properties. Injuries reported ranged from minor, such as burns to the fingers, to severe including loss of fingers and complex eye injuries with loss of vision.

“Children are frequently burned with sparklers. There’s a misunderstanding of how hot they can get.

“They can cause severe burns to fingers and hands, or catch clothing alight. Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of five.

“Great care should be taken around fireworks, especially when children are near. To minimise the risks to you and your family, a publicly arranged event would be by far the safest way to view fireworks.”

IFSJ Comment

The significant reduction in deliberate fire-setting incidents around Bonfire Night in Scotland demonstrates the impact of continuous prevention and education efforts.

Such positive trends can potentially lead to safer communities and reduce strain on emergency services.

The collaboration between SFRS, COBIS, and schools has proven effective in driving change.

This proactive approach towards safety, especially with the younger generation, is setting a precedent that other regions might benefit from emulating.

Fire service cuts lead to crisis in Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

In a new report published on 24 October by the Fire Brigades Union, concerns have been raised about the deteriorating state of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

Impact of a decade of cuts

Since its establishment just over ten years ago, the SFRS has seen a reduction of over 1200 positions.

The forecast suggests another 780 jobs could be at risk in the forthcoming years due to a five-year, flat cash budget proposal from the Scottish Government.

Fire service cuts result in reduced resources

This year has witnessed the withdrawal of 10 fire vehicles, including additional high-reach units and the permanently crewed river rescue boat on the Clyde.

Such reductions have inevitably left communities with diminished emergency coverage.

At the same time, there’s a noted increase in response times.

Moreover, firefighters now face an escalating number of wildfires and flood incidents due to the ongoing climate emergency.

The “Firestorm” report highlights numerous issues including:

  • Insufficient staffing.
  • Outdated equipment.
  • Deteriorating infrastructure.
  • Declining training standards.
  • An older workforce facing exposure to hazardous substances.

One key point of contention is that these issues appear to be dismissed by political leaders.

They often attribute service reductions to ‘operational decisions for SFRS management’, implying they bear no responsibility.

‘A damning picture of underinvestment’

John McKenzie, the Scottish Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, commented: “This state of the nation report into the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service paints a damning picture of underinvestment, declining standards and job losses, all which increases the risk to firefighters and the public we serve.

“We cannot go on like this, our members and the public have had enough.”

He added: “If the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is to meet the challenges of our times we need immediate and radical change and this report sets out what that should look like.

“This report is full of ideas that would help reverse the catastrophic decline in a once proud service.

“There are over 50 recommendations that have come from those who know the service best, the firefighters who work on the frontline in fire stations and control rooms across the country.”

Furthermore, he stressed: “They want to be the best that they can be, they want trained to highest possible standards, to work in a service that has the required resources to respond quickly to emergency situations, and is equipped to meet the challenges of our times, paid appropriately for the stressful work they do and to work in a welcoming, supportive organisation.”

McKenzie concluded by addressing the political leaders: “Over the last decade we have been failed by political leaders who have tried to ignore this crisis.

“They cannot ignore us now. It is now up to the Scottish Government, the SFRS management and all political parties to respond positively to this report, reverse the cuts and help build a Fire and Rescue Service that aspires to be world-leading.”

IFSJ Comment

The situation depicted by the Fire Brigades Union report underscores the dire consequences of consistent underinvestment in essential emergency services.

As the world grapples with the impacts of the climate crisis, the need for a robust and well-equipped fire service becomes ever more critical.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s current state, as portrayed in this report, leaves communities at heightened risk.

It is imperative for political leaders and decision-makers to heed this urgent call, ensuring the safety of both the public and the firefighters dedicated to serving them.

Scotland sees slight dip in wholetime operational firefighters

by Featured News

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service shares latest fire safety statistics

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has released its latest Fire Safety and Organisational Statistics.

This comprehensive annual report is now accessible in the ‘About Us’ section on their official website.

The figures indicate that the SFRS currently employs over 7,600 individuals.

A notable point from the report highlights a one percent decrease in the number of wholetime operational firefighters from 3,530 in the previous year to 3,490 in 2022-23.

Challenges and strides in recruitment and diversity in Scotland’s fire service

Liz Barnes, SFRS Interim Deputy Chief Officer and Director of People, commented on the statistics: “The longer-term picture shows an overall decrease in wholetime firefighters.

“This is attributed to various factors like streamlining of services, standardisation of duty patterns, retirements, and more.”

She continued: “We maintain a policy of consistent recruitment, especially in areas of utmost need in Scotland.

The growth in the number of wholetime trainees last year is a positive sign.”

Although recruiting on-call firefighters in remote areas remains a challenge, the reduction remains under one percent for this group.

On the brighter side, since 2017-18, the female wholetime operational staff count has surged from 175 to 227.

DCO Barnes noted: “Over the past five years, the female wholetime staff number has jumped by nearly a third.

“We’re committed to enhancing diversity in our team.”

Concerns rise over attacks on personnel

Another concerning point in the report states that attacks on personnel, mainly verbal, have seen an increase from 76 to 80 year-on-year.

Additionally, there’s been a ten percent spike in objects being hurled at firefighters and their appliances.

DCO Barnes remarked: “Attacks on any emergency service workers are condemnable.
It’s crucial for our teams to resolve emergencies without facing such challenges.

“We’ll continue to partner with Police Scotland, aiming to not just apprehend the culprits but also to increase community awareness regarding the detrimental effects of these assaults.”

Emphasis on fire prevention in Scotland

Fire prevention remains an integral part of SFRS’s responsibilities.

The significance of Home Fire Safety Visits, targeted towards vulnerable residents, is underscored in the report.

In the last half-decade, one in every twelve Scottish households has received tailored safety advice.

This translates to over 38,000 visits in just the past year.

IFSJ Comment

The recent statistics published by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service shed light on the evolving landscape of fire safety in Scotland.

The fluctuations in staff numbers, the commitment to diversity, and the ever-important issue of fire prevention, especially in vulnerable communities, are all points of considerable relevance.

The increase in attacks on personnel underscores the challenges faced by these brave individuals daily.

As professionals in this sector, understanding these trends and numbers is vital to gauge the progress and areas of focus in fire safety internationally.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service publishes new Gaelic language plan

by Featured News

The 2023-2026 Gaelic language plan: An initiative shaped by the community

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has released the second edition of their Gaelic Language Plan for 2023 – 2026.

The latest plan was crafted in tandem with staff and local communities, following a public consultation exercise undertaken in early 2022.

To learn more about this, visit the official announcement.

Supporting the growth of Gaelic in everyday situations

SFRS expressed their dedication to backing national efforts in broadening the application of Gaelic in a myriad of situations.

The organisation holds the view that Gaelic language is a shared heritage and aims to highlight its historical significance.

The Gaelic language plan: A collaboration with Bòrd na Gàidhlig

In accordance with the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, the plan was formulated in collaboration with Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

The act’s requirements can be found by following the link provided in the official announcement.

The inputs of SFRS employees and the wider Scottish communities played a pivotal role in shaping the second plan.

Their insights, collected during the 2022 public consultation, greatly influenced its development.

For those interested in viewing the Gaelic Language Plan 2023 – 2026, in either English or Gaelic, it can be accessed here.

IFSJ Comment

The latest Gaelic Language Plan by SFRS stands as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to cultural heritage.

It underscores the pivotal role of community participation in such initiatives.

This development reiterates the potential for local languages to be an integral part of safety and rescue operations, ultimately paving the way for more inclusive and effective communication.

SFRS overhauls response strategy after 30,000 unwanted fire alarms

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Over 30,000 unwanted fire alarm signals trigger firefighter response in 2022

More than 30,000 instances of unwanted fire alarm signals were addressed by firefighters throughout Scotland in the previous year, averaging roughly 80 incidents per day. These statistics have come to light as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) prepares to modify its response strategy to such signals in business premises and workplaces.

Changes to emergency response protocol due in July

Starting from the 1st of July 2023, in the event of an alarm, dutyholders – those entrusted with fire safety responsibility, are expected to examine the cause of the alarm and only dial 999 after a fire is confirmed. This strategy has already been implemented by several other UK fire and rescue services, who dispatch fire appliances only when a fire is confirmed.

Altered procedures to exclude certain premises

The impending change will not affect premises providing sleeping accommodation, such as hospitals, care homes, hotels, student accommodation, and domestic residences. These will maintain their current level of emergency response. Workplaces are being urged to provide staff with sufficient training regarding the new procedures and establish appropriate fire safety measures.

Calls for dutyholder readiness and preparation

David Farries, the Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) and SFRS Director of Service Delivery, urged dutyholders to prepare for the upcoming changes. He emphasised the significance of providing staff with adequate training and ensuring suitable fire safety provisions are present within business premises. Furthermore, he recommended dutyholders familiarise themselves with the information provided on the SFRS website.

The majority of signals from automatic fire alarm systems are not due to actual fires. Instead, they are false alarms frequently triggered by cooking fumes, dust or poor maintenance. The new procedure aims to free up operational crews for actual emergencies, reduce unnecessary road risk and environmental impact caused by false alarms.

Potential time saving and benefits to businesses

By altering the response to such incidents, Farries indicated that around 64,000 hours could be saved annually. This time could be utilised for other activities like training and fire safety prevention work. Businesses could also benefit from fewer disruptions. Each unwanted fire alarm signal interrupts business activities for approximately 27 minutes on average.

Educational premises, call centres, offices, pubs, restaurants, shops, and single retail units were among the most frequent sources of unwanted alarms. The changes on 1st July 2023 result from a public consultation in 2021. The SFRS website provides guidance to assist dutyholders in preparing for the changes.

Scottish wildfire seen from space sends stark warning says union

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Firefighters in Scotland battle a severe wildfire near Cannich, south of Inverness, last week sparking a call for urgent action from the Fire Brigades Union.

The blaze, extending across 7,400 hectares, has produced a plume of smoke so extensive that NASA was able to capture the images from space. Two firefighters sustained injuries amidst the firefight but have since been discharged from the hospital.

Given the vast terrain, physically challenging conditions, and the need to transport equipment manually under intense heat, wildfires demand a significant firefighting force for response. However, the past decade of budget cuts has left fire and rescue services grappling for resources, while climate-related incidents have become more frequent and severe.

Notably, temperatures in parts of the UK topped 40 degrees centigrade for the first time in recorded history in July 2022, escalating wildfire risks. Furthermore, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service announced additional cuts last week, which will lead to the loss of ten fire appliances, thereby reducing fire cover and impinging on firefighters’ capacity to respond to incidents.

Since 2010, the UK has seen a reduction of 11,500 firefighters, with Scotland alone losing 1,100 firefighters since 2013.

The real dangers of the climate emergency

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), underscored the dire situation by pointing out that the recent blaze is “believed to be one of the biggest wildfires in UK history and which can be seen from space.”

Referring to the firefighters injured during the operation, Wrack emphasised the “real dangers of the climate emergency.” He warned that wildfires, like the one currently burning in Cannich, are on a rising trajectory year by year. He urged: “All governments must heed this stark warning,” and called for “urgent climate action to prevent loss of life,” alongside a significant investment in fire services.

Union sounds the alarm over fire appliance cuts in Scotland

by Featured News

Concerns over the recent reduction in fire appliances throughout Fife and Tayside regions have been amplified as they are unveiled as part of a more extensive series of cuts to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

This new wave of cutbacks involves the removal of fire appliances from more than ten stations. Among these are four stations located in Fife: Methil, Dunfermline, and Glenrothes, which will each lose a fire engine, and Kirkcaldy, which will suffer the loss of its height appliance.

Within Tayside, Dundee’s Kingsway East fire station will see the reduction of one fire engine, and the only fire station in Perth will also experience a similar loss.

FBU Scotland’s regional chair, Gus Sproul, voiced his concern: “The FBU has repeatedly raised our concerns about the impact of cuts to the number of fire appliances serving our communities.

“Make no mistake, fewer fire appliances and fewer firefighters mean that our communities are at greater risk. Our members who have recently attended major incidents in Fife and Tayside tell us that if they have to attend similar incidents in the future with one less appliance then lives and property will be put at significantly increased danger.

“What’s happening across the Service in Scotland is nothing more than the effect of ongoing budget cuts. Politicians and Government Ministers must decide if they are prepared to accept the citizens of their local communities being less safe in their homes.

“When the Scottish Government announced their resource-based spending review last year, we said it would have devastating consequences and here we are.

“The FBU is absolutely opposed to the cuts and will fight to maintain the level of safety and security that the local communities of Scotland deserve.”

The union’s words echo a growing concern over the continuous reduction in resources dedicated to Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Services and the impact this may have on community safety.

Scotland launches Care for your Countryside campaign in response to wildfires

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

New statistics from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have revealed that during March and April 2022, 95 incidents of wildfire were recorded across Scotland.

With many wildfires being started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless or irresponsible behaviour SFRS has launched its new prevention campaign called ‘Care for your Countryside’.

SFRS said that wildfires can be devastating for rural areas and those living within these communities and that this type of large-scale incident also negatively impacts the environment and has the potential to burn for days, placing a drain on emergency service resources.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Bruce Farquharson, SFRS Wildfire Lead, is appealing to the public to always think twice before setting a fire outdoors.

He said: “It is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments to prevent a fire from spreading out of control.

“Wildfires in particular are extremely dangerous and pose a major threat to rural communities, wildlife and areas of countryside. Wildfires can spread rapidly and it’s vital that people never start a fire during periods of high wildfire danger.

 “We would always recommend not having a fire at all but we do recognise there are occasions where people will still want to have one.

“It is important that people understand the impact of deliberate or careless fire-setting – even with the best intentions there is still a risk that a fire can spread.

“If you light a camp fire, for example, please be aware of conditions such as high winds, high temperatures and low humidity and always take steps to make sure your camp fire is fully extinguished before you leave.

“You should also ensure other items such as cigarettes are disposed of safely and responsibly.

“You can care for your countryside by taking simple steps to act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”