New data reveals that nearly 150 firefighters at Avon Fire and Rescue have suffered injuries over the past three years, prompting urgent calls for enhanced safety measures. According to research by Accident Claims Advice, these injuries include burns, smoke inhalation, muscle strains, falls, and trauma caused by falling debris.
The statistics show a worrying trend, with 52 firefighter injuries reported in 2022/23, 49 in 2023/24, and 47 in 2024/25. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has urged for immediate investment in personal protective equipment (PPE) and improved training to address this ongoing safety concern.
Adam Taylor, a national officer for the FBU, emphasized the severity of the situation: “Firefighters are too often left without the essential equipment and training necessary to protect themselves and the public. Without proper PPE, they must risk heat stroke or exposure to burns from flames or intense heat."
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Taylor continued, “We need urgent funding to fix this issue. National standards must be established for equipment, training, response times, and crewing levels to ensure firefighter safety across the board.”
Since 2022, three firefighters have filed compensation claims, resulting in pay-outs totaling £26,689. Analysis of injury types reveals that handling, lifting, or carrying injuries are the most common, affecting 36 firefighters over three years. Slips, trips, and falls rank second with 22 incidents, followed by injuries sustained during physical exercise or training (10 incidents). Notably, eight firefighters were injured by moving, falling, or flying objects, while heat- or cold-related injuries also ranked high among causes.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service, which operates 21 stations serving Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, reported the highest injury count in Bristol (59 incidents). Bath and North East Somerset, along with North Somerset, recorded 31 injuries each.
A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service stated: “Firefighting is inherently challenging and physically demanding, and staff safety remains our top priority. Our firefighters maintain annual fitness and medical standards, undergo regular assessments, and receive extensive training to work safely in hazardous environments.
“We continuously review incidents and injuries to learn from them and reduce risk. This process is supported by ongoing investment in equipment, PPE, and operational training. When injuries occur, we provide robust support through occupational health, welfare, and rehabilitation programs to help our staff recover and safely return to work.”