Wildfire risk rises but readiness lags behind

A new report has highlighted concerns regarding the UK’s readiness to tackle wildfires.

The study, conducted by the Fire Brigades Union, suggests a significant shortfall in UK-wide strategy, planning, and investment for wildfire resilience.

Fragmentation and under-resourcing concern fire services

The research underscores the fragmentation and limited resources available to fire and rescue services.

Notably, between 2011 and 2022, firefighters often found themselves pushed to their maximum capacities during incidents.

The past decade has witnessed a reduction of nearly 12,000 firefighter jobs, while the risk of wildfires continues to grow.

England’s Fire and Rescue National Frameworks have not specifically addressed the wildfire threat.

This omission is noteworthy, especially since wildfires have been recognised as a national security threat on the National Risk Register since 2013.

The study also identifies that wildfire preparedness varies greatly depending on the location, terming it a ‘postcode lottery’.

There exists no mandatory requirement to integrate this risk into local strategies.

Temperatures and wildfire risk

Recent climatic patterns, such as the UK experiencing its hottest June and unprecedented September temperatures, amplify concerns.

The Fire Brigades Union emphasises that the severe wildfires seen across Europe serve as a pressing reminder. With the expectation of rising temperatures in the future, there is a compelling case to bolster preparations.

The union advocates for several measures:

1. The development of a UK-wide strategy and standards for wildfires.
2. A statutory obligation for the government and fire and rescue authorities to ensure readiness.
3. Enhanced central government funding for the fire and rescue service.
4. Adequate investment in wildfire-specific training and protective equipment.

Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, offered his perspective: “As the climate evolves, we witness a surge in destructive wildfires due to global temperature hikes.

“Existing staffing levels and budget cuts have rendered the fire service inadequately equipped for future challenges. Firefighters are already grappling with wildfires throughout the UK.

“Considering these fires have been a recognised threat for ten years, it’s imperative to bolster our fire and rescue service.

“Instead of progressing, we’ve encountered challenges and disparities in wildfire responses depending on the location.

“For the safety of all communities, swift action in the form of standards, strategies, and financial backing is crucial.”

IFSJ Comment

The revelations from the Fire Brigades Union report indicate that as climate patterns shift, leading to potentially more frequent and severe wildfires, the need for a robust, unified response strategy in the UK is evident.

The challenges highlighted – from fragmentation of services to under-resourcing – can have dire consequences when swift action is required.

The disparities in preparedness across different regions further underscore the urgency of a coordinated, UK-wide approach.

We hope that this report serves as a catalyst for meaningful change, ensuring the safety and protection of communities across the UK.