Compared to the report in 2008-09, the 2009-10 report submitted to the Board of Strathclyde reports that the number of abuses on the firefighters have come down. The number of firefighters attacked in 2009-10 is 93 whereas in 2006-2007 it was 171.

Last year the number of cases of verbal abuse reported was 110, whereas this year it is 65. There were 8 cases of missile attacks in 2008-09. This year the number of cases is 3. However, the number of cases with weapons has increased from 16 to 17.

According to the report a total of 1269 firefighters were attacked while on duty in Scotland. The maximum number of attacks were reported from Strathclyde region. This region reported 769 cases, while 527 cases were reported from the rest of Scotland.

Roddy Robertson, Executive Council Member for Fire Brigades Union Scotland termed the attack on the firefighters as unfortunate. He said that though there are cases where children attack these firefighters, there are many more adults who verbally and physically abuse them. He said that the firefighters deserve to be treated better especially while on duty.

The firefighters are attacked with various objects including bats and bricks and people throw balls and fruits on them. In many cases even the firefighting equipments and vehicles are also attacked.

The report reveals that though the attacks have come down it is very demoralizing for the firefighters who work for the common cause braving odd situations, to be treated in this manner. The report hopes to help people understand the seriousness of the issue and change their attitude towards the firefighters.

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