Firefighters in North Wales face alarming levels of assaults, raising concerns about their safety and the need for better community support.
Conwy: Firefighters in North Wales have faced a shocking number of assaults. Between January 2019 and November 2024, there were 54 reported attacks. Most of these were verbal, but six involved physical violence.
The data shows a mix of incidents over the years. In 2019, there were 10 attacks, and in 2020, it went up to 11. Then, in 2021, it dropped to just four. But things picked up again with 12 in 2022 and 13 in 2023.
Interestingly, there were only four incidents in 2024, and no physical assaults since June 2020. That month was particularly tough, with four attacks that stood out as a low point for firefighter safety.
When looking at the regions, Conwy had the highest number of attacks, with 15 cases. Wrexham followed with 13, and Flintshire had ten. Denbighshire had nine, Anglesey five, and Gwynedd three.
This information came from a Freedom of Information request. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service shared their findings. Overall, they reported 262 verbal or physical attacks, with some firefighters even needing hospital care.
In England, the situation is also concerning. Injuries from assaults on firefighters are at a 15-year high. They face not just physical violence but also verbal abuse and harassment.
There are growing calls for better safety measures for firefighters. Matt Wrack, the former general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, emphasized the need for trust and protection for firefighters. He pointed out that they should respond to emergencies without fear of being attacked.
Wrack also mentioned that community engagement projects have been cut, leaving firefighters with fewer resources. He stressed the importance of investing in fire services to keep firefighters safe while they protect others.
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