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Crews from Leeds fire station were leaving Outgang Lane in Bramley when a pellet hit the windscreen of one of the fire engines.

Two more pellets – thought to be from an air rifle – then struck the roof of the vehicle.

Crew manager Darren Bagley, of Leeds fire station, said: "Just as we were turning the fire engine round we saw the windscreen crack and heard a cracking sound and then that was followed by two more shots.

"Fortunately the windscreen was strong enough to withstand it."
He added: "People on our shift have been shot at before and Gipton crews have come under attack."

He added: "My first priority was the safety of my crew so we withdrew immediately."

Mark Wilson, Fire Brigades Union brigade secretary, said they would be
seeking a meeting with management to review procedures in light of the attack.

The firefighters were called to reports of a fire at around 10pm on Saturday but on arrival found a resident having a bonfire.

It is not known whether it was an ambush or whether the call was an
innocent mistake.

The fire engine has been out of action for the windscreen to be
replaced.

The other shots left pellet marks and a pellet on the roof but did not pierce the metal.

All fire engines are fitted with CCTV cameras.

They were installed around seven years ago in order to spot arsonists at fires.
Saturday's footage will be passed to police.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire Service said there had been 166 attacks on firefighters across West Yorkshire last year and in the first quarter of 2008 there had been 27 reports.

He said: "Firefighters put their lives on the line for the community and they shouldn't have to endure this type of treatment."

Coun Alison Lowe (Lab, Armley) said: "I'm shocked that the streets of my ward are clearly so dangerous.

"I hope the mindless idiots that think this is funny are quickly brought to justice."