Number of firefighters in isolation impacts on brigade emergency cover

Just under 5 per cent of Scottish fire fighters are in isolation as a result of coronavirus – a total of 362 staff.

Uk-wide, nearly 3,000 fire and rescue staff are in self-isolation and unable to work – 5.1 per cent of the total workforce. Just under 2,600 of them are operational firefighters and control staff, making up 5.3 per cent of the total.

However, in some areas of Britain the number of staff absences relating to the outbreak have reached 12 per cent, sparking calls for testing across the industry from the Fire Brigades Union.

Emergency fire control rooms, which have fewer staff, have been worst hit in some areas, with some control rooms losing 15.9 per cent of their staff.

The Scottish government has committed to initial limited testing of firefighters and control staff which has already begun at Glasgow airport. However, in other areas of Britain, no testing has taken place.

The FBU has said that, without urgent testing of frontline personnel, there will inevitably be an impact on brigades’ ability to provide fire cover and respond to other emergencies, including their work supporting the coronavirus response. Fire and rescueservicesintheukare operating with 11,500 fewer firefighters than in 2010.

Somefirefightersarenow driving ambulances and delivering food and medicines to vulnerable people; and working with the police to move bodies, after the FBU reached an agreement with fire chiefs and fire and rescue employers. Firefighters will now also be able to fit masks and respirators for NHS staff and deliver Personal Protective Equipment) and medical supplies to NHS trusts.

Bedfordshire has the highest proportion in isolation – 12 per cent of their total.