NFCC responds to UK fire reform plans and summer safety threats

Government outlines fire reform plan in England

The NFCC has reported that the UK Government set out four priorities for fire and rescue reform during the NFCC Spring Conference in England.

Fire Minister Chris Philp outlined the updated dirction for the sector, which includes a revised National Framework, establishing a new College of Fire and Rescue, a focus on productivity, and stronger local governance through devolution.

The Minister confirmed that the Ministerial Advisory Group would support the reform process and highlighted the UK’s reputation in the global fire community, endorsing plans for the 2026 World Fire Congress in London.

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the NFCC, said: “We welcome the Minister’s commitment to work in collaboration with us to drive improvements in our sector.

“We also welcome his appreciation of the growing challenges the sector faces and his recognition of the need to strengthen the infrastructure that supports fire and rescue services to deliver better outcomes more consistently.”

Philp also stated that housing safety remains a Government priority, with new regulations on Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) now laid before Parliament and ongoing engagement with disability groups and Grenfell families continuing.

The Minister said that details on spending commitments are still being finalised. Garrigan said the NFCC is focused on ensuring fire and rescue services are “properly valued and do not become the forgotten emergency service.”

NFCC issues UK-wide wildfire alert amid hot weather

As reported by the NFCC, fire and rescue services are warning the public to take steps to prevent wildfires during the current heatwave in the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency has placed many regions under an Amber alert due to sustained high temperatures. This has prompted concerns over increased wildfire risk.

Phil Garrigan, NFCC Chair, said: “Our experience tells us that wildfires can start in an instant and escalate rapidly. That’s why we’re asking everyone to stay alert and act responsibly.”

The NFCC has published guidance advising people to avoid using disposable barbecues in open spaces, safely dispose of cigarettes and glass, and follow local restrictions.

Fire services across the UK have already responded to hundreds of wildfire incidents in 2024. The NFCC said that fire prevention is a shared responsibility and called for greater public caution during dry conditions.

Members of the public are advised to report wildfires or suspicious behaviour to emergency services by dialling 999.

Water safety concerns raised alongside fire risks

The NFCC has also issued updated guidance on water safety, warning of the dangers associated with rivers, lakes and other open water during periods of high heat.

According to NFCC data from 2023, 37 percent of people who drowned had not intended to enter the water. The council highlighted the risk of cold water shock, which can affect even strong swimmers.

Phil Garrigan, NFCC Chair, said: “Many drownings happen when people didn’t intend to enter the water, whilst many people are completely caught off guard by just how cold it is.

“It might be warm, but the water is often freezing cold.”

The NFCC advises parents and carers to closely supervise children around water and urges everyone to avoid alcohol before swimming or jumping into open water.

In emergencies, the public is advised to follow the ‘Call, Tell, Throw’ method: call 999, tell the person to float, and throw a floatation device.

If someone finds themselves struggling in water, the NFCC recommends the ‘Float to Live’ approach, which involves tilting the head back, relaxing the body, using gentle hand movements and calling for help when calm.

Long-term support remains a focus for NFCC

The NFCC has stated that while the sector welcomes increased Government collaboration, long-term support will be essential to implement meaningful reform and manage climate-related safety threats.

Phil Garrigan said that the NFCC is committed to working alongside national leadership to ensure services are “properly valued”.

The Council has also called for consistent funding to improve infrastructure, workforce training and community engagement.

Garrigan reiterated the importance of leadership, culture and people-centred reform in delivering better outcomes.

The NFCC said that extreme weather events and changing community risks must be met with updated operational guidance and public cooperation.

Plans for the new College of Fire and Rescue are expected to include leadership development and national training standards, though further details have not yet been announced.

NFCC continues engagement with stakeholders

The NFCC said it will remain in dialogue with Government departments, local authorities and emergency service partners to support the proposed changes and monitor the effectiveness of summer safety campaigns.

Fire Minister Chris Philp said that ongoing collaboration will be essential in the months ahead and noted that updates on resource allocation will follow later in the year.

Phil Garrigan said the NFCC recognises the scale of risk facing the sector and intends to keep working with partners across England to address operational pressures.

The council said that public communication remains a core part of its work during summer months and highlighted the role of local services in community education and risk prevention.

The NFCC confirmed it will continue issuing seasonal guidance and real-time updates through its website and public alert channels.

NFCC responds to UK fire reform plans and summer safety threats: Summary

The NFCC has reported that the UK Government outlined a four-point fire reform agenda at the NFCC Spring Conference.

The agenda includes a revised National Framework, a new training college, workforce productivity and devolved governance.

The Ministerial Advisory Group will support the reform process.

Phil Garrigan welcomed the Government’s collaboration and focus on people and culture.

Housing safety regulations for Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans have been laid before Parliament.

Further updates on funding are expected later in 2025.

The NFCC issued wildfire safety guidance due to ongoing hot weather.

Public advice includes avoiding barbecues, discarding waste responsibly and reporting fires.

The NFCC highlighted that hundreds of wildfires have occurred so far in 2024.

Water safety guidance was also released by the NFCC.

Cold water shock and unintentional drownings were cited as key concerns.

Advice includes the ‘Call, Tell, Throw’ and ‘Float to Live’ methods.

The NFCC said collaboration and awareness remain essential during summer.