Abuse of fire crews down but concerns still remain
Warnings have been issued over “really sad” attacks on firefighters in Sunderland – although fire service bosses have reported “improvements” in some areas.
Abuse faced by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service staff has been brought up as a key problem to tackle at several recent meetings across the region.
At the latest Coalfield Area Committee, fire service chiefs warned it is still a “concern” and “on the radar” as being an issue in need of addressing.
Andrew Nelson, station manager at Farringdon Community Fire Station, noted from April 2022 until March 1, 2023, there had been 68 attacks across Tyne and Wear.
However he added improvements have been seen in the Coalfields area, where just two attacks have been recordedwhich involved objects being thrown at fire crews.
He said: “It’s really sad to be talking about that but it’s worth just keeping it on everybody’s radar.
“I think the importance of all the partnership work we do to try and get the message across to the young people is vastly important.
“It just goes to show there has been an improvement, one is too many, but we’re heading in the right direction.”
It comes after Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority’s policy and performance committee last month heard overall across the region there had been an increase in attacks on firefighters compared to the previous year.
Fire service representatives at the Coalfield Area Committee added they continue to work with schools in the area to get “the most information to the most pupils” about the dangers of such attacks.
Councillors also heard the Tyne and Wear fire tea miscarrying out work with various partners to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area.
This includes through the HALO( the H et ton Aspirations Linking Opportunities) project,launched in February last year, which sees organisations including the council, police, fire brigade and Gentoo work to “deliver success and empower and improve the local area”.
Residents can report information anonymously regarding attacks on fire fighters and anti-social behaviour by contacting FireStoppers at https://forms.theiline.co.uk/firestoppers or on 0800 169 5558.