The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has highlighted ongoing concerns over violence and abuse directed at firefighters, as new figures reveal a significant increase in the number of personnel injured while responding to emergencies.

According to figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), 129 firefighters were injured in attacks across England in the year ending March 2025. This represents a 34% increase compared with the 96 injuries recorded the previous year.

Of those injured, 13 sustained serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.

The figures also show that 933 incidents involving attacks on firefighters were recorded in England during 2024/25. Although this represents a slight decrease on the previous year, the number of incidents remains 61% higher than a decade ago, when 578 incidents were reported.

While verbal abuse accounted for the majority of incidents, firefighters also faced physical assaults, threatening behaviour and objects being thrown at crews attending emergencies.

The issue extends beyond England, with figures from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service indicating a 30% increase in attacks on staff during 2025/26, rising from 59 to 77 incidents. These included 16 physical assaults and 20 incidents involving damage or attacks on property and equipment.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has reiterated the importance of protecting firefighters and other emergency service personnel, particularly during periods of increased operational demand, such as Bonfire Night and other seasonal events.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is highlighting the impact of violence and abuse as fire and rescue services prepare for increased demand during Bonfire Night and other seasonal events.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “Firefighters put themselves on the line to protect others, as they demonstrated during the busiest wildfire season on record. They should never face violence or abuse from the people they are there to help.

“Behind every uniform is a person. Firefighters are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbours and members of the communities they serve. They return home to their families after every shift just like anyone else.

“Every attack on a firefighter is unacceptable. As well as putting individual firefighters at risk of harm, it can affect their ability to respond effectively and protect the communities that rely on them.

“As we enter a busy autumn period, we are asking everyone to treat firefighters with the respect they deserve so they can continue keeping people safe.”

As part of wider efforts to improve safety, the NFCC has also expressed support for stronger measures to address the misuse of fireworks.

In its response to a recent government consultation on fireworks and pyrotechnics, the NFCC supported tighter restrictions on the public sale of certain higher-risk products, including rockets and other projectile fireworks.

The proposed measures aim to reduce the risk of attacks on emergency service personnel, deliberate fire-setting and anti-social behaviour, while continuing to support the safe and responsible enjoyment of fireworks through professionally organised displays.

The figures underline the continued importance of protecting fire and rescue personnel, ensuring they can carry out their essential duties safely and without the threat of violence or abuse.

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