Understanding and Mitigating Hostility Towards Firefighters: A Case Study of Attacks on a UK Fire Service

Firefighters increasingly face hostility and aggression during emergency response, posing significant risks to their safety and effectiveness. This study examines the antecedents of attacks on firefighters and introduces the Attack Readiness Framework (ARF) to enhance incident preparedness and risk assessment.

A qualitative methodology was employed, using semi-structured surveys and thematic analysis to identify key risk factors. Data were collected from frontline personnel at County Durham Fire and Rescue Service from 30 participants using NVIVO 14 for coding and analysis. Findings identify four primary antecedents influencing firefighter vulnerability: incident type, location, occurrence, and training preparedness. Secondary fires were the most frequent settings for hostility, often linked to youth-related disturbances in high-risk areas.

The study reveals gaps in firefighter training, particularly in de-escalation techniques and defensive strategies. Inter-agency coordination with law enforcement is also found to be inadequate, creating operational challenges. The ARF offers a structured approach to risk assessment, supporting predictive measures and improved training.

This research highlights the need for increased data collection, data quality improvements, policy reforms, including enhanced PPE, intelligence-sharing, and mandatory training for hostile interactions. Proactive strategies can better protect fire personnel and strengthen public safety.