Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright has called for greater investment in fire and rescue services, including 5,000 additional firefighters, after holding talks with Housing and Communities Minister Angela Rayner amid growing concern over wildfires and extreme weather.
Wright said he had a “good conversation” with Rayner in which he raised the concerns the Fire Brigades Union has been highlighting throughout the summer.
The intervention comes as firefighters across the country face significant pressure responding to fires during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather.
Writing on X following the meeting, Wright said:
“I raised the points the @fbunational has been making throughout the summer and before: we need investment in our fire and rescue services, including the commitment to 5,000 additional firefighters, to meet the growing risks our communities face.”
Wright also said the pair discussed the FBU’s call for an emergency wildfire summit, which he said the Government had committed to holding.
He said:
“We also discussed the emergency wildfire summit called for by the FBU, which the government has committed to. We need to use it to build resilience and ensure we are better prepared for wildfires, flooding and the extreme weather events we as firefighters are increasingly dealing with.”
The union has argued that the changing nature and frequency of extreme weather incidents means fire and rescue services need sufficient staffing and resources in place before emergencies occur.
Wildfires have become a particular concern during this summer’s prolonged dry conditions, with fire crews responding to major incidents in different parts of the country.
Wright said the experience of this summer demonstrated why investment in frontline capacity could not wait until after major incidents had occurred.
“This summer’s fires are another reminder that this is about having the personnel and resources in place before disaster strikes – not after.”
The talks with Rayner come as the Labour Government faces calls to ensure fire and rescue services have the resources required to respond not only to their traditional responsibilities but also to the increasing demands posed by wildfires, flooding and other extreme weather.
The proposed emergency wildfire summit is expected to provide an opportunity for ministers, firefighters and other stakeholders to consider how the country can strengthen its preparedness and resilience.
The FBU’s demand for 5,000 additional firefighters is likely to be a central part of that discussion, with the union arguing that investment in personnel must accompany wider preparations for the effects of a changing climate.
Wright’s meeting with Rayner signals continued engagement between the Government and the union as ministers consider how best to strengthen Britain’s response to increasingly challenging fire and extreme-weather risks.
