Kent Fire Brigades Union

It is awful to see the devastation the fires across the West Midlands, and the country, have caused. It must have been terrifying for residents to see the fires take hold so quickly yesterday. I am very grateful to the firefighters, local resilience partners and all the first responders who evacuated people to safety – a number of firefighters were taken to hospital as a result of incidents yesterday, and I pay tribute to their bravery and commitment.  Our firefighters are working in incredibly difficult conditions and putting themselves at risk to keep others safe, and we will back them all the way. As the Prime Minister @andyburnham has said, we will make sure our fire services have the resources they need from us and our support to deal with the unprecedented risks being driven by these heatwaves. As well support on the ground now, we will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the @fbunational and other key organisations to look at our future response. To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life’s possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor @RichParkerLab and local leaders to make sure you are supported.  Yesterday’s fires show just how devastating the impact of fires can be and how quickly they can take hold. I’d ask people to take extra care when they’re out enjoying themselves this weekend. Don’t risk it – BBQs, open fires, even litter such as cigarette ends or glass bottles are a fire risk at this time. Simple choices can help prevent wildfires before they start.

Behind every wildfire, grass fire and emergency response is a firefighter working in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. I was grateful to catch up with Steve Wright, General Secretary of the @fbunational, and to thank London's firefighters for their dedication during this heatwave. Their professionalism and commitment keep Londoners safe.