Responding to the announcement that a new Firefighters Concordat will be established to deliver health support for firefighters – including research-backed health monitoring – National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said:

“Firefighter health and wellbeing is a long‑standing priority for the National Fire Chiefs Council, and we welcome continued recognition of the unique risks firefighters face through their work.

“Firefighters’ work sees them encounter hazardous environments and harmful contaminants, often with long‑term consequences that may only become apparent years down the line. A shared, coordinated approach across employers, representative bodies, health services and partners is essential if those risks are to be understood, reduced and properly monitored.

“We have been clear that prevention, early intervention and consistent standards are key. Work to strengthen contamination controls, improve facilities and enhance health monitoring must be informed by the best available evidence and applied consistently across all fire and rescue services.

“Supporting further research and building a stronger evidence base will be vital to improving understanding of occupational risk and ensuring firefighters receive appropriate, timely support throughout their careers. NFCC will continue to work constructively with partners across the sector, including through the Ministerial Advisory Group, to advance firefighter health and wellbeing.

“Those who protect our communities deserve the highest possible standards of care and protection in return.”

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• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is a charity and an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to help them to save lives and keep their local communities safe.