SWFRS Disappointed At Recent Spate Of Attacks On Crews

Over recent days, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) crews have been subjected to attacks, where fireworks have been used putting not only firefighters at risk, but preventing SWFRS from being able to carry out their public duty. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The Service’s Head of Fire Crime, Matthew Jones said, “It’s always disappointing that our crews have to face attacks in the line of duty and ensuring that we keep our communities safe from harm. This thoughtless behaviour by a small minority puts our firefighters in harm’s way and prevents us from being able to attend the incident reported. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“We have a zero tolerance approach to these attacks and we work closely with our Police colleagues to ensure that those responsible are caught and prosecuted, where possible. This is not harmless fun, there are potentially serious consequences that these attacks could cause, including a fire spreading and endangering life and properties. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“We encourage our communities that if they have any information about any of the recent attacks or know the name of someone responsible, that they contact the Police or Crimestoppers.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

SWFRS will be carrying out increased fire crime patrols over the Bonfire Night weekend alongside Gwent Police and South Wales Police to reduce anti-social behaviour in considered hotspot areas, as well as raising awareness of the consequences of this behaviour. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​