Data obtained by Accident Claims Advice shows that more than 100 firefighters working for North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have been injured while on duty over the past three years.
Official figures for England for the year ending March 2024 recorded 2,408 on-duty firefighter injuries, with approximately 40% occurring during operational incidents such as emergency responses, rescues and active fires.
Within North Yorkshire, injury figures peaked in 2022/23, when 50 firefighters were injured while working, marking the highest total recorded by the service in the past three years.
More recent data shows a reduction, with 26 injuries recorded over the last year, though the risks remain significant.
The injuries sustained by firefighters can range from burns and smoke inhalation to musculoskeletal damage, slips, trips and impact injuries caused by falling debris or collapsing structures.
The data also reveals that nine injury claims have been brought against the service since 2022, resulting in £48,024.84 in compensation payments.
Further analysis by Accident Claims Advice identified the most common causes of injury across North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service over the past three years. Handling, lifting and carrying were the leading contributors, accounting for 28 injuries, followed by slips, trips and falls, which resulted in 15 injuries.
Speaking about the need for increased investment, Adam Taylor, Fire Brigades Union national officer, said:
“Too often firefighters are not being provided with the basic equipment and training they need to keep themselves and the public safe.
“Without proper PPE, firefighters face an impossible choice between heat stroke and exposing themselves to burns, either from flames or the sun.
“We urgently need investment to sort out this problem. We also need national standards on equipment and training, as well as response times and crewing levels.”
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service operates 38 fire stations across the county, serving communities including York, Harrogate and Scarborough.
The highest number of injuries was recorded in Hambleton and Richmondshire, with 42 incidents, followed by Scarborough and Ryedale, which logged 24 injuries.
Accident Claims Advice offers support to those who have suffered injuries whilst at work and can see if they have grounds to submit a claim.
They operate a 24-hour helpline, with an online claim form too, which you can access on their website.
Get broken or damaged item fixed for free at Skipton Repair Café
Funding applications now open for Skipton Charities Gala Fund
North Yorkshire Council faces budget decisions following £40m funding loss
Local MP Urges Local Schools to Register for Parliament Visits
Tickets go on sale for Addingham Village Pantomime
Sign up for Your Local Experiences for chance to win £1,000 prize
Silsden man sets out to run 160 miles following girlfriend's breast cancer diagnosis
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Race Across the World
Council facing ombudsman investigations after parents complain about school transport policy
Skipton featured on BBC's new Rise and Shine segment
Award winning bar in Skipton closed for renovations
Temporary CCTV trial at Skipton Bus Station reports positive outcomes
Feasibility study to look at replacing or rebuilding Skipton bridge
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Skipton
Hundreds reported to have taken part in Skipton's Nutcracker trail
Skipton MP raises concerns over pressures facing rural communities
Almost 200 Airedale Hospital workers to go on strike over pensions
First images released from Skipton school’s new observatory
Police Cadets to be recruited in Skipton
Government urged to help fund rising costs of special needs education in North Yorkshire
