Fire Brigades Union calls for action on firefighter attacks

Scotland’s firefighters must be protected from violence the Fire Brigades Union has said.

The call comes after fire crews came under a bonfire night attack at locations in the Lothians and Glasgow.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said crews were attacked in Clydebank, Edinburgh and West Lothian with reports of vandalism and anti-social behaviour reported across the country.

Gus Sproul, Chair of the FBU Scotland said, “It is completely unacceptable for our members to be attacked with bricks, bottles and fireworks whilst carrying out their duties to protect the public.” 

“There has been a concerning increase in the number of attacks on our members as Police numbers, community engagement projects and youth services have been cut. The last decade has already left firefighters and other emergency services working under immense pressure without enough resources.”