Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright has called for more firefighters, specialist equipment and training after warning that crews remain underprepared for major wildfires.
In a statement following this summer's fires, Wright said the union had raised the alarm last year about firefighter numbers and the growing risk. "This summer proved the warning was justified," he said. "We need people, equipment, training and investment to meet the risks ahead. Firefighters shouldn't have to rely on heroics to keep people safe."
The FBU has warned that future wildfire seasons could bring larger and more severe incidents. It is calling for at least 5,000 more firefighters, lightweight protective clothing, nationally recognised training standards and a UK-wide wildfire strategy. The union says one in five firefighter jobs has been lost since 2010.
The government announced specialist wildfire teams earlier this year, alongside a £97 million upgrade of national fire-resilience equipment. That investment covers a range of emergencies, including floods and building collapses, rather than wildfires alone.
The union has welcomed Andy Burnham's agreement to chair a national wildfire summit involving firefighters, fire chiefs and other stakeholders. Wright has urged those involved to set a date, arguing that the pressures exposed this summer cannot wait for another crisis.
