NFCC and FBU call for flood response duty in England

NFCC highlights the impact of Storm Bert on UK communities

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has responded to the severe flooding caused by Storm Bert, emphasising the dedication of fire and rescue personnel and volunteers.

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the NFCC, said: “The severe weather and flooding seen in recent days has brought devastation to many communities.

“Our thoughts are with all of those affected, particularly the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and those whose homes and businesses have been severely damaged.”

Fire and rescue services have been working to evacuate residents, support local communities, and manage emergency calls during the storm.

Hardingham noted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and reiterated the need for government action.

He said: “We continue to call on the Government to consult on a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England, to ensure they have the tools, training and resources to prepare and respond.”

Public urged to take safety measures during floods

With further rainfall expected, the NFCC has issued public safety advice to minimise risks during flooding.

Recommendations include turning off utilities if it is safe to do so, using flood protection measures, and relocating people and pets to higher ground.

The NFCC stressed the importance of following evacuation orders promptly and avoiding travel through flood-affected areas.

The council highlighted that driving through floodwaters is the leading cause of fatalities during such events.

The UK Government website provides detailed guidance on flood safety, including what to do before, during, and after a flood.

FBU demands statutory duty for fire services in England

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called on the UK Government to establish a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding.

Similar duties already exist in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The FBU argues that the absence of this duty creates inconsistencies in flood responses across England.

Writing to the Home Secretary, the FBU emphasised the need for national standards and increased investment in fire and rescue services to improve flood resilience.

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “Storm Bert has exposed the threat we face from the impact of the climate emergency.

“Now is the moment for the Labour government to build resilience and ensure firefighters are equipped with the resources needed for increasing severe floods.”

The case for a statutory duty on flooding response

The FBU and NFCC have both highlighted the growing flood risks due to climate change, citing evidence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and UK government risk assessments.

The FBU pointed to long-standing recommendations, such as those from the 2007 Pitt Review and the 2011 Exercise Watermark, which advocated for a statutory duty on fire services.

The union also referenced Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which included commitments to improve flood resilience and establish national standards for emergency response.

The FBU has expressed readiness to work with the government to implement these measures.

NFCC and FBU call for flood response duty in England: Summary

The NFCC and FBU have responded to the severe flooding caused by Storm Bert, highlighting the critical role of fire and rescue services in managing such emergencies.

Both organisations have called for the UK Government to introduce a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding, citing increasing risks due to climate change.

The NFCC emphasised the need for proper tools, training, and resources, while the FBU stressed the importance of investment, national standards, and legal clarity to ensure consistent and effective flood responses.

Public safety advice was issued to help communities prepare and stay safe during future flood events.