Warnings About UK’s Preparedness for Climate Change Impacts Underpin Need for Investment in Fire and Rescue

Responding to the Climate Change Committee’s findings that not enough progress has been made in preparing the UK for the impacts of climate change, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Lead on Environment and Climate Change, Ben Brook, said:

“Today’s report echoes our own warnings earlier this year that the UK is not fully prepared for the impacts of climate change. Already this year, the UK has experienced significant flooding whilst wildfire numbers threaten to overtake those we saw in 2022, a record year for wildfires. It is impossible not to be concerned about the very real and immediate threat climate change poses to our communities, with that threat only set to grow.

“When it comes to the emergency response to these events, it is fire and rescue who are at the forefront and yet they risk being the forgotten member of the emergency service family. With risks around extreme weather increasing, we need urgent and sustained investment in fire and rescue services. Without this, our ability to keep communities safe and protect homes and businesses is seriously undermined.”

ENDS

• NFCC published a Climate Change Position Statement in February, which warned that the UK was not fully prepared for the impacts of climate change. This can be found here.

• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to continually improve, helping them to save lives and keep their local communities safe. NFCC is a charity and a membership association supporting and representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Founded in 1941, NFCC was established as a company and charity in 1998 as The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, transforming into the NFCC in 2017.