Newly released data has highlighted the scale of injuries sustained by firefighters working across Dorset and Wiltshire, offering a clearer picture of the risks faced by emergency service personnel on the frontline.
Figures obtained by Accident Claims Advice show that Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service has recorded more than 300 on-duty staff injuries over the past three years, underlining the physical and psychological demands placed on firefighters responding to emergencies across the two counties.
Fire service staff routinely operate in high-risk environments. Whether attending building fires, serious road traffic collisions or hazardous materials incidents, firefighters are exposed to extreme heat, smoke, unstable structures, heavy manual handling tasks and traumatic situations that can lead to both physical injury and long-term mental health impacts.
National data reflects the broader issue. Official figures for England for the year ending March 2024 recorded 2,408 on-duty firefighter injuries, with around 40% occurring during live operational incidents such as fires, rescues and other emergency callouts.
At a local level, injury numbers within Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service fluctuated over the period. The highest annual total was recorded in 2023/24, when 114 staff injuries were logged. During 2024/25, reported injuries fell to 99, though the figures continue to highlight ongoing safety pressures.
Since 2022, injuries sustained at work have resulted in eight compensation claims against the service.
The injuries recorded range from burns and smoke inhalation to musculoskeletal damage, slips and falls, and impact injuries caused by falling debris or structural collapse. National reviews into firefighter safety have repeatedly warned that reduced staffing levels, ageing infrastructure, and the increasing complexity of incidents are contributing to higher risk for emergency workers.
Further analysis by Accident Claims Advice identified the most common causes of injury across Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service.
Manual handling was responsible for 48 incidents, making it the leading cause, while stress and trauma accounted for 35 recorded injuries, highlighting the mental as well as physical toll of the role.
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.”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service operates 50 fire stations across the two counties, delivering emergency response and prevention services to local communities.
Over the past three years, the highest number of staff injuries occurred at service premises, where 106 incidents were recorded, followed by fire-related incidents, which accounted for 61 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.
