They save lives and protect our communities, yet more and more North East firefighters are facing attacks as they work to keep people safe.
From bricks being thrown at them, to attacks with fireworks and verbal abuse, there has been a 7% increase in attacks on Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) firefighters in the last two years.
Now John Pratt, area manager of TWFRS, has issued a stark warning to parents to make sure they know where their children are and that they know their actions could have harrowing consequences.
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It comes after a group of anti-social yobs taunted firefighter cadets by setting fire to a bin and hurled a torrent of abuse at a firefighter.
Mr Pratt, who oversees the operation of the region's crews, said: "Our message to family and friends is that they should know where their children are and what they are doing.
"More importantly they should know what the consequences are should they have a fire, and their family member needs rescued.
"We can't be in two places at once, if we are attending a deliberate grass or bin fire.
"They might think it is a little bit of fun but it is dangerous, they could injure themselves.
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"They are taking away from what we are there to do - help communities stay safe,"
Figures reveal there were 71 attacks in 2017/18 and 76 attacks in 2018/19.
The latest abusive behaviour came just a week after firefighters were faced with a group of 30 youths while attending a rubbish blaze in Lemington, Newcastle.
One of the yobs tried to take a hose reel from the crew during the call out on April 8.
Last year, there were eight attacks on firefighters between November 1 and 6, which saw crews being pelted with fireworks and other missiles after being ambushed in Southwick, Sunderland.
Mr Pratt, who has been in the fire service for more than 30 years, said: "Incidents range from objects being thrown at firefighters and fire engines, verbal abuse and physical abuse.
"We know at this time of year, especially with the school holidays we tend to see a rise.
"We also see an increase in secondary fires, such as grass and rubbish bins.
The attacks meant body-worn cameras were moved from crews in Sunderland Central to Marley Park Community Fire Station in Fulwell.
CCTV footage is available on fire engines with footage passed to Northumbria Police.
Mr Pratt added: "All of our fire engines have CCTV on them. We will pass it on to our colleagues at the police and look to prosecute where we can."
Last year, there were three occasion where firefighters suffered slight injury.
Mr Pratt said there are mechanisms in place to support firefighters with whatever they face on duty.
"We have support service internally that has proven to be very effective," he said. "We are talking about more traumatic incidents. We are there to help people and keep them safe. It is made more difficult by these youths."
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