Image Credit: Fire Brigades Union

Leicestershire flood response prompts union call for government action

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has urged the government to implement a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding.

According to the FBU, this change would ensure central funding for flood resilience and response.

The union’s call follows a major incident in Leicestershire, where firefighters responded to 160 flood-related incidents after widespread flooding across the county.

Firefighters rescue 59 people during major incident in Leicestershire

Leicestershire firefighters conducted 59 rescues on Monday, responding to over 200 calls.

The FBU described these rescues as a “wake-up call” for the government.

Unlike other parts of the UK, fire services in England are not legally obligated to respond to floods, leaving services reliant on limited resources.

FBU highlights funding and resource challenges

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack emphasised the strain on services, stating: “Firefighters continue to work tirelessly to save lives and protect communities from devastating flooding.”

Wrack further highlighted the impact of budget cuts and called for formal recognition of firefighters’ role in flood response.

The union insists that central funding and resources are essential to handle future flood emergencies effectively.

Letter to Home Secretary calls for immediate action

In November, the FBU wrote to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, urging the government to address the issue.

The union called for investment in flood resilience and the introduction of a statutory duty for English fire services.

Wrack added: “Ministers must act now to implement a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England with the funding and resources urgently needed.”

Fire Brigades Union calls for statutory flood response duty in England: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has called for the government to introduce a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding.

The FBU’s appeal follows severe flooding in Leicestershire, where firefighters carried out 59 rescues in a single day.

Currently, fire services in England lack a statutory obligation to respond to floods, limiting central government funding for flood preparedness.

The union argues that recognising this role is essential to secure resources and protect communities.