Fire Brigades Union calls for urgent action

The Fire Brigades Union has called for “urgent action” from the next government to prepare the UK for rising temperatures following this week’s heatwave.

Warnings for heat and wildfires have been in force across much of the country.

The union’s general secretary warned that the UK fire and rescue service was “fragmented, overstretched and chronically underfunded.”

Climate change is resulting in record-breaking temperatures, with an increased risk of heatwaves. Firefighters warn that urgent investment is needed to prevent a repeat of July 2022, when fire and rescue services were pushed to breaking point.

Impact of 2022 heatwave on London Fire Brigade

On 19 July 2022, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported its busiest day since World War II, evacuating approximately 500 people and taking nearly 3,000 calls.

In Wennington, East London, two rows of terraced houses were destroyed by fire.

However, that day, 39 fire engines were out of action without enough firefighters to crew them. The LFB was unable to send vital specialist equipment to some of the worst fires, while the control room taking calls declared an understaffing emergency.

Sixteen firefighters were injured, and two were hospitalised, with working conditions deemed unsafe.

Statements from Fire Brigades Union general secretary

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, emphasised the need for immediate government response to the climate emergency. Wrack stated:

“An incoming Labour government will need to wake up to the harsh reality of the climate emergency. We need urgent decarbonisation to avert the worst dangers of climate collapse, but we also need to adapt.”

He added: “Firefighters are battling the effects of soaring temperatures, but a decade of brutal cuts has left the UK unprepared. The fire and rescue service is fragmented, overstretched and chronically underfunded.

“Two years ago, UK firefighters were pushed to breaking point responding to raging wildfires without enough resources. We must not see a repeat of this chaos.

“The number of extreme weather events will only continue to rise, placing even more pressure on our overstretched fire service. Failing to invest in the fire service means failing to protect homes and lives from climate disasters.”

Preparing for future heatwaves

Firefighters are urging the next government to prioritise investment in the fire and rescue services to handle the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

They stress the importance of adapting to the changing climate and ensuring adequate resources and personnel are available to respond to emergencies.

The Fire Brigades Union highlights that without significant investment, the UK will continue to face challenges in protecting communities and infrastructure from the growing threat of wildfires and other climate-related disasters.