Fire and Rescue Service Operational Statistics For England, 2006-07

Published	6 May 2008

Communities and Local Government published today the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) Operational Statistics bulletin, which covers operational statistics for the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007.

The key points that have not been published previously are outlined below.

Equality and Diversity

There has been a gradual increase in the representation of women and minority ethnic staff over the last three years. At 31 March 2007, women formed 3.1 per cent of the operational workforce compared with 2.5 per cent in 2005 and minority ethnic staff formed 3.2 per cent of all staff (uniformed and non-uniformed combined) compared with 2.7 per cent in 2005.

Health and Safety

Sickness absence levels for wholetime firefighters have improved slightly since the previous year, while those for fire control staff have increased to 12.6 shifts/days lost from 11.9 shifts/days lost in 2005-06.

The number of staff retiring on grounds of ill health has also decreased over the last three years.

The total number of injuries sustained by firefighters (during training, operational incidents and routine activities) in 2006-07 decreased by 281 to 4,312; a drop of 6 per cent on the previous year.

Operational Activities

The fire and rescue service attended a total of 797 thousand incidents. The total incidents attended were made up of the following: fires, 43 per cent; fire false alarms, 37 per cent; and non fire incidents, 21 per cent.

Notes to editor

1. This bulletin contains the latest statistics relating to operational issues affecting Fire and Rescue Services in England. This is the fourth in the series.

2. The figures in the publication are compiled from annual returns on Fire and Rescue Service operational statistics submitted to the Communities and Local Government by Fire and Rescue Authorities. They collect information on personnel, equality and diversity, health and safety and operational activities.

3. Copies of the Fire and Rescue Service Operational Statistics for England, 2006-07 bulletin and other fire statistical publications can be downloaded via the Department's website at www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/770245.