Latest Fire Safety and Organisational Statistics 2025-26

The statistics, which cover the financial year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, highlight there were 77 attacks on staff in total, a 30% increase from 59 attacks the previous year. 

The biggest increase was seen in verbal attacks, growing from 19 in 2024/25 to 41 in 2025/26. 

There were 16 physical attacks on SFRS staff, as well as 20 attacks on property and equipment. 

Deputy Chief Officer Andy Watt said: “It is incredibly disappointing to see an increase in attacks on our staff over the last year. 

“Every single attack on our firefighters is one too many and this unacceptable behaviour has an extremely negative impact on our staff. 

“We recognise that these incidents are carried out by a very small minority within our communities, but they will not be tolerated. 

“It’s essential that our crews can carry out their duties and focus on keeping people in Scotland safe without being subjected to any form of attack. 

“We continue to work closely with partners and 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 

3,431 wholetime operational firefighters worked for SFRS in 2025-26, which makes up the largest category of staff. 

The headcount is up by one from last year, however numbers are expected to have changed following a successful wholetime firefighter recruitment campaign at the end of March.  

DCO Watt says there will be a continued focus on ensuring there remains an appropriate number of firefighters to deal with changing risks and demands across Scotland. 

He said: “Wholetime firefighter levels fluctuate every year due to several reasons, and our wholetime firefighter recruitment campaign this year showed there’s still a high level of interest in employment within SFRS. 

“Through ongoing workforce planning processes, the Service is implementing a new training delivery model that will provide a continuous and predictable pipeline of new firefighters into operational service through more frequent, lower-capacity courses, helping SFRS maintain workforce numbers and meet future staffing demands.” 

 

On call firefighters 

The headcount of on call firefighters – who respond to emergencies via a pager when they are available – increased from 2,705 to 2,747 in 2025-26. 

Recruitment and retention of on call firefighters remains challenging, particularly in rural and remote areas, but this increase shows the continued work carried out by SFRS to recruit. 

DCO Watt continued: “It is encouraging to see that our sustained efforts to increase the number of on call firefighters are delivering positive results.  

“On call crews play a vital role in protecting many of Scotland’s communities, and we remain committed to strengthening and growing this essential part of our workforce. 

“We recognise that recruitment and retention within the On Call Duty System continues to present challenges, particularly given changing employment patterns and community demographics.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is actively progressing a range of initiatives to address these challenges, ensuring we can attract, support and retain the skilled people who are at the heart of local emergency response.” 

 

Female firefighters 

The organisation has seen a 4% increase in the number of female firefighters in 2025-26, which is expected to have risen further following the recent wholetime recruitment campaign. 

DCO Watt said: “This is a positive step in the right direction as we continue to show SFRS is an inclusive workplace and equality remains an important part of our working culture.” 

 

Home Fire Safety Visits 

In 2025-26, SFRS conducted 20,423 Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs), down from 34,019 in 2024-25. 

However, changes were made in February last year to the HFSV policy. 

DCO Watt said: "In February 2025, SFRS adopted a more targeted approach to Home Fire Safety Visits, prioritising individuals and households identified as being at greater risk of fire and fire-related harm. 

"For that reason, our staff now offer in-person visits to those aged 65 and above and to those who live with certain health conditions or lifestyle factors.  

"Those who do not need an in-person visit can still access bespoke fire safety guidance on our website or by requesting a copy of our comprehensive Home Safety Guide." 

Our Home Fire Safety Questionnaire helps to assess the level of risk within your home. At the end of the questionnaire, and if you are eligible, you will be offered an in-person Home Fire Safety Visit.