A new survey by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has highlighted concerns about the ability of UK fire and rescue services to respond to prolonged wildfires, with firefighters calling for increased funding, recruitment and improved protective equipment.
The survey received 2,218 responses from FBU members, including full time firefighters, retained duty system personnel and control room staff.
Firefighters call for increased funding
The findings reveal that 98% of respondents believe funding for their local fire and rescue service should increase following this summer’s wildfires.
Meanwhile, 71% fully support recruiting at least 5,000 additional firefighters over the coming years to strengthen wildfire resilience.
The FBU has linked current operational pressures to previous funding reductions and the loss of 12,000 firefighters.
Concerns over protective equipment and resources
The survey found that 69% of respondents feel significantly under equipped for wildfire incidents, while only 8% consider themselves fully equipped.
Almost all respondents supported introducing national standards for wildfire personal protective equipment and operational equipment.
The findings indicate widespread concern about the resources available to firefighters during extended wildfire deployments.
Welfare and fatigue management highlighted
Nearly half of respondents reported inadequate welfare facilities during wildfire operations, with only 7% describing existing arrangements as fully adequate.
Additionally, 84% supported introducing legal requirements covering welfare provision and fatigue management at incidents.
Control room staff report operational pressures
Control room personnel described difficulties allocating firefighting resources, unreasonable working hours and limited opportunities for breaks.
Respondents also reported abusive callers, low morale and concerns about increasing budget pressures during wildfire incidents.
Some control staff highlighted an increase in incidents involving lithium ion batteries and recycling waste fires.
The FBU is calling for stronger investment, improved equipment standards and additional staffing to address the operational challenges identified by its members.
Steve Wright, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Firefighters are being sent to fight wildfires without the right equipment, access to proper welfare facilities, and not enough colleagues to do the job safely.
“Almost half say their welfare facilities on scene are lacking and yet firefighters are being asked to risk their lives in some of the most dangerous conditions our emergency and uniformed services face.
“The UK Government has agreed to a wildfire summit, and we will be making the case for a national strategy, proper investment, and a commitment to recruit the thousands more firefighters this country needs.
“It is only by a joined-up approach that we can prepare adequately for the dangerous and destructive power of wildfires next summer.“
