The United Kingdom is underprepared to handle the escalating effects of climate change, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). Fire chiefs are urging the government to take immediate action to strengthen emergency response systems, as extreme weather events such as wildfires and flooding become more frequent and severe.
Fire and rescue teams play an essential role in responding to climate-induced disasters, often stretching their already limited resources. Mark Hardingham, chairman of the NFCC, emphasized the urgent need for additional support. “Watching the devastation caused by wildfires in Los Angeles and the increasing flooding incidents in the UK, it is impossible not to be concerned about the very real and immediate threat climate change poses to our planet and what that will mean for our communities in the future.”
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events means that fire services are now expected to respond to more than just structural fires. In recent years, they have battled large-scale wildfires in Surrey, Kent, and South Yorkshire, as well as widespread flooding across parts of the country. While fire crews continue to go “above and beyond” to protect lives and property, Hardingham warns that without proper investment and long-term planning, their capacity to respond effectively is at risk.
Data from the Copernicus Climate Service revealed that global temperatures in 2024 were 1.6°C higher than pre-industrial levels. The Met Office has also projected that UK summers could become up to 60% drier, while winters are likely to be warmer and wetter. This shift in climate patterns increases the risk of both wildfires and flash floods.
The UK has already witnessed the consequences of these changes. In 2022, the country recorded its first-ever temperature above 40°C (104°F), leading to a surge in wildfires and infrastructure damage. More recently, Storm Éowyn and Storm Darragh caused significant disruption, with red weather warnings issued across multiple regions.
The NFCC is calling for a comprehensive review of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to ensure that emergency services are adequately prepared for future climate-related incidents. Additionally, fire chiefs stress the need for improved forecasting tools and data analysis to assess risks and inform response strategies.
Beyond emergency response measures, long-term climate mitigation efforts remain critical. The UK has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with plans to decarbonize electricity production by 2030. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also set an ambitious target of reducing emissions by 81% by 2035. However, experts argue that these targets must be matched with tangible policy changes and investments in climate resilience.
The message from the fire chiefs is clear: the UK must act now to prevent future climate-related disasters from overwhelming its emergency response systems. Without proactive measures, fire and rescue services will continue to face growing challenges, putting communities and critical infrastructure at risk. Addressing climate change requires not only reducing carbon emissions but also ensuring that frontline responders have the resources they need to protect lives in an increasingly unpredictable world.
