The NFCC have responded to Home Office statistics that have revealed a six per cent increase in fatalities and call outs during last year 12 months.

Responding to the figures, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Roy Wilsher said: “I am saddened to see this increase in fatalities, and we need to see this reduce. We will continue to work with our partners, with a focus on the areas these deaths are happening.

“It is also disappointing to see an increase in callouts across a range of areas. However, it truly reflects what I have always known – the fire service is on hand to assist where and when it is needed the most and it’s not just fires.

“The increase in assisting other agencies is a clear example of how FRSs respond to requests from our partners. This has never been more apparent that during the response to the pandemic, with the fire service carrying out more than 400,000, the majority supporting other organisations. The fire service is on hand to assist where and when it is needed – and it’s not just fires.

“This is one area I expect to see rise in the next set of statistics, showing how dedicated FRS staff are here to help. The pride shown by fire service staff undertaking work in the heart of their communities is humbling, and we can see the different it is making.

“This particular set of statistics is always disappointing for me, as it clearly highlights the positive impact the emergency medical trials had following their introduction in 2015 and the reduction in numbers following the subsequent withdrawal in 2017.

“This work had agreements in place with ambulance trusts to undertake health and care related work.

“Yet we have seen in recent months how the FRS is well-placed to support this work. Centrally collated statistics show firefighters have carried out a shift for ambulance service more than 93,000 times since March.”