NFCC welcomes recommendations to strengthen wildfire preparedness

Responding to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee report on wildfires, Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said: 

“We welcome this report and the important contribution it makes to how we prepare for and respond to the growing threat of wildfires. Having contributed evidence to the inquiry, we are pleased to see the Committee recognise the increasing pressures facing fire and rescue services and the need to strengthen our national preparedness. 

“We have already seen encouraging progress, including the Government’s investment in specialist wildfire teams and equipment. There is now an opportunity to build on that investment, properly evaluate the pilot and ensure successful capabilities become an enduring part of our national resilience arrangements. We also want to see a coordinated UK-wide aerial firefighting capability, so specialist aircraft can be deployed where they are needed most. 

“Ultimately, it is firefighters who put fires out, not fire engines. Investment in vehicles and technology matters, but it has to be matched by investment in the people who respond. As wildfire risk grows, firefighters must have the right training, appropriate PPE, specialist equipment and support to operate safely and effectively for prolonged periods in difficult conditions. Reliable firefighting water supplies are also an important part of ensuring services can respond effectively. 

“This summer again demonstrated the pressures involved, with firefighters working for prolonged periods in extremely demanding conditions as major wildfires stretched resources. We strongly support the Committee’s call for a review of the lessons from 2026, but those lessons must translate into practical improvements before the next wildfire season. The safety and wellbeing of firefighters must be at the heart of that work. 

“The message from this report is clear: managing wildfire risk is everyone’s responsibility. Fire and rescue services are on the frontline, but reducing this growing risk requires action from government, local authorities, landowners, businesses and the wider public. We all have a role to play, and that responsibility must be taken seriously. 

“The upcoming wildfire summit provides an important opportunity to bring these priorities together and agree how they can be taken forward. We welcome the Government’s commitment to making the summit a forum for action and stand ready to work with partners to turn the Committee’s findings into lasting improvements in how we prepare for and respond to wildfires.” 

ENDS 

• The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee report A burning issue: managing wildfire risk can be found here.
• 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.