CTIF speaks on climate change’s impact on fire service

The Executive Committee of CTIF (The International Association of Fire and Rescue Services) has issued an official statement addressing the effects of climate change on fire services and communities around the world.

Not only are forest fires an evident concern, but also recent deadly heat waves, floods, and other weather-related events.

Increasing threats in a changing climate

CTIF has expressed a profound concern regarding the rising threats due to the climate crisis.

The statement mentions that lives and properties are facing increased risks due to nature’s devastating effects.

As the world continues to grapple with the real-world consequences of climate change, firefighters and first responders are at the frontline.

Tragically, some have already made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting communities.

Despite receiving significant support for international joint responses, especially in combating wildfires, CTIF stresses that further actions are imperative.

CTIF’s call to action amid the climate crisis

CTIF’s call to action emphasises several key points:

1. Recognising the current operational crisis and intensifying collaborative efforts towards practical solutions.
2. Utilising all available authority, legislation, and collaborative capabilities to confront nature’s challenges that are not constrained by national borders.
3. Committing financial resources to ensure adequate response tools, training, and personal protective gear for frontline responders.
4. Offering consistent support to the public, firefighters, and first responders, ensuring they understand the escalating risks, possess the necessary tools and skills to react, and have the resilience to recover.

Milan Dubravac, CTIF President, stated: “We are now continuously going through an extraordinary period of operational challenges, one where firefighters routinely find they are confronting emergency situations that go way beyond what was previously seen as ‘normal’ or ‘expected’.

“The physical and mental strain on everyone is demanding and we have sadly lost colleagues.

“At the moment it feels an unequal fight sometimes overwhelming pre-planned responses and the practical equipment available.

“Being better resourced and operating collectively is the way forward. It has to be accepted action is needed now – not at some time in the future – fire and rescue cannot do this alone.”

IFSJ Comment

The statement from CTIF underscores a pressing issue faced by fire and rescue services across the globe.

As the climate crisis escalates, it’s not just about adapting to a new ‘normal’ but also about ensuring the safety and resilience of those on the front lines.

The call for enhanced resources and collective action is a testament to the ever-evolving challenges faced by these services.

Fire and rescue teams worldwide deserve support, training, and resources to combat these increasing threats effectively.