Latest Fire Safety and Organisational Statistics
Newly released figures show there were 21 physical attacks on firefighters recorded across Scotland in 2024-25.
There were a further 19 verbal attacks, as well as 19 incidents targeting property or equipment during the same time period.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) Director of Strategic Planning, Prevention & Communications, Dr Mark McAteer said: “Every single attack on our firefighters is one too many and this unacceptable behaviour has a very negative impact on our staff.
“We recognise that these incidents are carried out by a very small minority within our communities.
“However, it’s essential that our crews are able to carry out their duties and focus on keeping people safe without being subjected to any form of attack.
“We continue to work closely with our colleagues at Police Scotland to identify and hold those responsible to account.”
Fire Safety and Organisational Statistics are published each year, and the latest report is now available in the 'About Us' section of our website.
Wholetime firefighters
3,430 wholetime operational firefighters worked for SFRS in 2024-25, which makes up the largest category of staff.
The headcount is up slightly on last year, from 3,422; however, Dr McAteer expects a continued focus on ensuring that there are appropriate numbers of firefighters to deal with changing risks and demands across Scotland
He said: “Wholetime firefighter levels are subject to fluctuation due to various factors and it is hugely pleasing to see that there is still a high level of interest in employment with SFRS as was evidenced by the success of our recent recruitment campaign earlier this month.
“Having the right amount of firefighters in the right roles and locations strengthens both our operational and prevention capacity.”
On call firefighters
The headcount of on call firefighters – who respond to emergencies via a pager when they are available – stood at 2705 in 2024-25, a very slight decrease on the year before.
Recruitment and retention of on call firefighters remains a challenge, particularly in rural and remote areas, but it’s an area that SFRS continues to focus on.
Dr McAteer continued: “We continue to actively develop new approaches to strengthen and expand this essential part of our workforce. These, combined with the new terms and conditions which offer far more flexibility, seek to provide further resilience.
“We would encourage individuals from all backgrounds and living within a community served by an on-call fire station to consider a rewarding career with the Service.”
Home Fire Safety Visits
A targeted approach to Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) is reflected in the figures for 2024-25, which show a seven percent decrease from the previous year.
SFRS staff conducted 34,089 visits last year for the most vulnerable people in Scotland’s communities.
HFSVs are carried out to prevent accidental house fires, and SFRS staff provide advice to householders on how to make their properties safer.
Data shows that older adults and certain individuals are more at risk of fire in the home.
Visits are targeted at individuals aged 65 and over, and those with health or lifestyle factors that increase their risk.