Call for action over extreme weather

The National Fire Chiefs’ Council has called for action to tackle wildfires, flooding and inland water safety. It has asked the government to consult on introducing statutory duties for flooding response and inland water safety in England, “fully underpinned by sustained funding”.

In the five years ending March 2024, it said the average number of flooding incidents has risen by 18%. And rescues or evacuations from water by English fire and rescue services each year have risen by 69% compared to the preceding five years. Since 2021, there have also been more than 1,500 wildfires in England and Wales, with 994 in 2022 alone.

But FBU firefighters’ union assistant general secretary Ben Selby told Labour Research: “National fire chiefs have failed to advocate for this common-sense policy over the past decade, flip-flopping while firefighters have been raising the alarm.”

“Firefighters must be equipped to protect communities from the increasing floods of the climate emergency.”

Selby said that since the devastating floods of 2007, the union has called for a statutory duty on the fire and rescue services to respond to major flooding.

“Unlike in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, fire services in England do not have this legal obligation and the resources that come with it. This means a lack of funding, training, and equipment.”

He added: “As the voice of the professional frontline, the Fire Brigades Union invites ministers to meet to discuss the urgent need for flooding resilience.”