Firefighters have been injured, with some requiring hospital treatment, while battling wildfires without the correct protective equipment and resources, according to Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright.
In a comment piece, Wright said the last few weeks have been some of the most challenging for firefighters in the UK. Not only have they courageously battled wildfires, with some doing shifts as long as 17 hours, but many have done so without the correct PPE and without the resources they need to safely and effectively do their job.
Unsuitable heavy-duty kit
Wright said many members have not had access to the correct PPE for fighting wildfires and instead relied on structural firefighting kit – heavy duty gear designed to keep firefighters safe when rescuing people from burning buildings.
He said this gear is wholly unsuitable for tackling wildfires and has led to firefighters suffering increased fatigue and in some cases heat exhaustion. Firefighters have also had to rely on the goodwill and generosity of the public, with people opening up their homes so exhausted firefighters can use toilet and other welfare facilities.
Over 1,000 wildfires identified
Wright noted a staggering number of wildfires this summer, with over 1,000 identified since early July. He said they did not come out of the blue, referencing severe ones in 2022 and noting wildfires have been part of the national risk register since 2013.
He said that under the Conservative coalition government since 2010, 12,000 firefighter jobs have been cut, and there is a direct correlation with the drastic cuts and the immense strain wildfires have put on the service.
Demand for extra firefighters
The union is demanding 5,000 extra firefighters as a bare minimum to begin replenishing the fire service and bringing it up to a capacity where it can be prepared for future wildfires.
Wright acknowledged some welcome Government funding so far, a promise to meet with the FBU and others at a Wildfire Summit, and positive statements from the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He stressed that ultimately it is firefighters on the ground with the appropriate PPE that put out fires, not specialist aircraft or new technology alone.
Opposing cuts in Kent and Cleveland
Wright also highlighted that firefighters have been forced to take to the streets to oppose attempted cuts. Last month in Kent, hundreds of firefighters and their families rolled back plans to cut jobs, close stations, and remove fire engines. He said he was proud to address them on both occasions when they marched in Maidstone, successfully convincing councillors to reject the proposals.
In Cleveland, members are now having to gear up to oppose cuts to their jobs and services. The Cleveland fire authority is looking to address a £1.2m deficit, but Wright said that should be solved through an improved central government funding model, not cutting firefighters in an area where there are heightened risks of fires with the petrochemical industry nearby.
