South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue under pressure during coronavirus pandemic as firefighters self-isolate

Figures from the Fire Brigades Union revealed that 52 members if fire and rescue staff – including firefighters – were off work due to self-isolation at the time of writing (April 13).

This accounts for 5.8 per cent of the workforce. Thirty-seven of the 52 workers that are in self-isolation are firefighters or control staff, who are directly involved in responding to fires.

This accounts for 5.4 per cent of the firefighters usually available in South Yorkshire.

Alex Johnson, chief fire officer for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: "Whilst we do have a small number of staff currently off due to self-isolation, there has been no adverse effect on our ability to crew our fire engines and control room. This is testament to the dedication of our amazing people.

“We’ve got strict hygiene procedures in place and feel we have sufficient PPE to protect our frontline crews – of whom I couldn’t be prouder right now.

“They continue to attend the wide range of incidents we get called to and, when not dealing with emergencies, are helping their communities by making welfare calls, delivering food and medicine, supporting our ambulance service colleagues and helping get vital equipment to social care teams across South Yorkshire.”

However, the union has called for coronavirus testing for all firefighters to prevent the number available for duty from falling any further.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The Westminster government is playing with fire by not testing firefighters and control room staff for coronavirus. Currently, crews are maintaining services, but this will become increasingly difficult as the virus spreads.

“If we aren’t able to find out exactly who is infected, and staff isolate unnecessarily, services will be put on a dangerous knife-edge.”

“Testing of NHS staff has to be a priority, but firefighters and other emergency service personnel are also at serious risk.

“The government failed to secure test kits in sufficient numbers early in the pandemic and now front line services are paying the price.”