By Sammy Jones-
Firefighters are calling for urgent Government funding for the fire and rescue service as it prepares to tackle Bonfire Night incidents.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said there had been a huge increase in fires across the UK in recent years, especially those causing damage to property.
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Fire and rescue services require additional funding for equipment, staffing, and resources to handle the high volume of incidents caused by Bonfire Night. According to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), funding has been cut significantly in recent years, leading to under-resourced services despite an increase in fires.
Key funding needs include: Increased budget and resources: The FBU reports a massive increase in fire incidents, including outdoor fires, and warns that services are pushed beyond their limits.
Personnel costs: Since 2010, the UK has lost a significant number of firefighter posts, which has lengthened response times.
Funding is also needed for preventative efforts, such as educational programs aimed at challenging young people about anti-social behavior and the dangers of fireworks.
Funding for specific costs: Funding is needed to cover the extra costs associated with increased callouts and incidents on Bonfire Night, as evidenced by FOI requests tracking these specific expenses. The causes of Bonfire Night fires often involve improper use and disposal of fireworks, the use of accelerants on bonfires, fires in bins, grassland, and vehicles.
Amateur fireworks displays.
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Fire and rescue services require additional funding for equipment, staffing, and resources to handle the high volume of incidents caused by Bonfire Night. According to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), funding has been cut significantly in recent years, leading to under-resourced services despite an increase in fires.
Key funding needs include increased budget and resources: The FBU reports a massive increase in fire incidents, including outdoor fires, and warns that services are pushed beyond their limits.
Personnel costs
: Since 2010, the UK has lost a significant number of firefighter posts, which has lengthened response times.
Preventative education: Funding is also needed for preventative efforts, such as educational programs aimed at challenging young people about anti-social behavior and the dangers of fireworks.
Funding for specific costs: Funding is needed to cover the extra costs associated with increased callouts and incidents on Bonfire Night, as evidenced by FOI requests tracking these specific expenses. The causes of Bonfire Night fires often involve improper use and disposal of fireworks. The use of accelerants on bonfires.
Fires in bins, grassland, and vehicles. Amateur fireworks displays.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “The fire and rescue service is on its knees after another round of deadly funding cuts, and firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever.
“Latest figures show a dramatic increase in serious fire incidents, with outdoor fires rising by over 50%.“We have seen fire and rescue services pushed beyond limits responding to major wildfire incidents throughout the year, which are only predicted to worsen with the climate crisis.
“The loss of one in five firefighter posts since 2010 means fire cover and resilience have been decimated across the UK.
“The outcome is that it takes longer for fire engines to arrive at incidents, when every second counts.
“The FBU is calling on the Government to tax the ultra rich to fund our vital public services.
“To save lives, Rachel Reeves’ upcoming Budget must include a progressive wealth tax to rebuild the fire and rescue service.”
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