Firefighters are coming under more attacks while on duty

It follows a series of attacks on firefighters by groups of youths.

The latest were on Sunday in the south Wales valleys, when stones were thrown at a crew in Aberfan, and about 50 youths hurled builders' materials at another crew in Gilfach Goch.

Fire chiefs say blazes are often begun deliberately to lure crews to an area.

Violence against firefighters has become a major concern for fire service chiefs.

On Sunday, fire crews dealing with a fire involving rubber matting at the rear of Ynys Owen Nursery School in Aberfan had stones thrown at them by a group of youths.

There is definite evidence that some of these attacks are planned Roger Price, South Wales Fire Service

Later on, another crew came under attack from a group of about 50 young people as they tackled two rubbish fires in the Hendreforgan area of Gilfach Goch.

South Wales Fire Service fears that more incidents are likely as the schools break up for half-term and bonfire night approaches.

In a trial, cameras are being installed on engines to film any attacks the crews come under while on call-outs.

Cameras have already been installed onto appliances in other brigades to deter gangs.

Roger Price, assistant divisional commander for South Wales Fire Service, said it was part of efforts to combat the growing problem of violence.

"It is to try and protect the fire crews - we hope it will deter these individuals who are willing to carry out these attacks," he said.

Recordings could be used to help police prosecute any individuals caught throwing missiles at the crews.

"There is definite evidence that some of these attacks are planned," he said.

Emergency treatment

"Quite often these fires have been started to lure fire crews into that area. It can occur any time and any place throughout south Wales.

"What concerns me is that there is the potential for death or serious injury from these attacks.

"They are throwing concrete bricks and it is quite scary," he added.

Some fire crews covering south Wales are subjected to almost daily attacks from gangs of youths.

Fire chiefs say the problem is becoming more violent and prolific and reports of violence against crews are on the increase.

Last October, a firefighter had to have emergency treatment after he was hit on the head by a brick thrown by a gang of youths.

The incident happened as a four-man crew tried to extinguish a rubbish fire in Trelewis near Merthyr Tydfil.

Youths stoned the fire engine before targeting the firefighters - hitting one of them on the head with a brick with such force that it split his helmet.

Firefighter Sabrina Cohen from Cross Keys is currently on an international fact-finding mission on how to deal with violence against fire crews, and her findings will be used by the brigade.