FIREFIGHTERS have rescued record numbers of people this year despite swingeing Tory cuts.

The fire service rescued more than 45,000 people between April 2017 and March 2018, according to data released today by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

Approximately 42,000 people were rescued in incidents that were not related to fires, while more than 3,000 people were rescued from fires across Britain.

That is equivalent to 3,800 rescues a month, and more than 100 a day.

The number of incidents is also up by 4 per cent compared to the previous recorded year.

These statistics come despite serious cuts to fire and rescue services under successive Conservative governments.

More than one in five front-line firefighter jobs have been scrapped since 2010, and Communities Secretary James Brokenshire announced further cuts in service spending to the fire service last week.

The FBU said that the statistics show how desperate the need is for a properly funded fire service.

The union’s general secretary Matt Wrack said: “While firefighters continue to protect their communities from fires, these figures show that their role has vastly expanded. 

“The Westminster government needs to properly fund their vital role responding to flooding, hazardous chemical spillages, road traffic collisions, lift rescues and other hazardous incidents.

“Firefighters are rescuing more people year on year, yet this Tory government continues to cut fire and rescue services to the bone. 

“These figures make it clear that fire and rescue cuts put the public at risk to more than just fires. This is a matter of public safety.”