National Fire Chiefs Council - NFCC

20/08/2026

Young people from across the UK have been showcasing outstanding teamwork, leadership and resilience through the Welsh Fire Cadet Challenge held at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the inaugural Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS) National Games held Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

These events demonstrate the incredible impact of youth engagement programmes, helping young people build confidence, develop life skills and forge lasting connections across the fire and rescue service community.

The celebrations continue this September, when teams from six fire and rescue services will take part in the UK Fire Cadets’ Casualty Care Challenge at the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation Festival of Rescue 2026, putting their first aid, communication and teamwork skills to the test on a national stage.

Read the full story: https://nfcc.org.uk/young-people-shine-at-fire-cadet-challenge-and-inaugural-youth-volunteer-scheme-yvs-national-games/

15/08/2026

Why are fire and rescue services so concerned?

Wildfires aren't just becoming more frequent. They're becoming more complex, taking longer to control and requiring significant resources to tackle.

July was the busiest month on record, with 458 wildfires attended across England and Wales.

Climate change is increasing the frequency of hot, dry weather, creating the conditions for larger and more intense fires. Meanwhile, many of these incidents continue to be started by human activity.

Protecting our communities starts with prevention.

Be wildfire aware

Avoid activities that could start a fire

Report fires quickly if you see them

Every prevented wildfire makes a difference.

14/08/2026

Behind every emergency response is a Fire Control team.

As firefighters continue to respond to wildfires and other incidents across the country, Fire Control teams have been working around the clock, dealing with thousands of calls and coordinating resources in extremely challenging conditions.

Their professionalism, resilience and calm decision-making help ensure help reaches those who need it most.

Phil Garrigan, NFCC Chair, said, "We also recognise the extraordinary efforts of firefighters, control teams and support staff who continue to work around the clock in extremely challenging conditions to protect life, property and the environment."

13/08/2026

"Our thoughts are with those families and communities who have been affected by these devastating fires. Losing a home, treasured possessions, or being forced to leave your community is a traumatic experience that can have a lasting impact. We also recognise the extraordinary efforts of firefighters, control teams and support staff who continue to work around the clock in extremely challenging conditions to protect life, property and the environment."

"Whilst we rightly focus on the here and now, we are calling for a long-term wildfire strategy that reflects the changing nature of emergencies facing the UK. This would include continued investment in firefighters, specialist wildfire teams, training, equipment and national capabilities, including a dedicated aerial firefighting capability. The cost of preparedness will always be less than the cost of recovery. We must act now to ensure fire and rescue services have the resources required to protect communities from increasingly severe and complex wildfire events."

Read more:

Fire and rescue services across the UK are responding to a sustained and escalating wildfire risk. Today, that risk has become reality for many families. The current run of incidents comes against a backdrop of a fifth heatwave this summer, prolonged drought, and dry ground conditions that allow fir...

13/08/2026

Many wildfires are preventable.

As hot, dry conditions continue, remember:

Take litter home

Dispose of ci******es safely

Avoid disposable barbecues in the countryside

Report fires immediately by calling 999

Small actions can make a big difference. Prevent The Spark.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/NKuz50ZyBeQ

12/08/2026

Firefighters across England and Wales have already responded to 966 wildfires in 2026, with 185 incidents in the first 10 days of August alone.

With drought conditions affecting much of the country, fire chiefs are urging everyone to take extra care outdoors. When vegetation is this dry, it only takes one spark to start a fire. By making simple choices, disposing of litter responsibly, avoiding disposable barbecues, and never discarding ci******es, you can help prevent wildfires before they start.

Read more and help reduce the risk of wildfires:
https://nfcc.org.uk/fire-chiefs-warn-of-sustained-wildfire-pressures-as-drought-spreads-across-england-and-wales/

12/08/2026

Today we're celebrating the important role young people play in creating safer, stronger and more resilient communities.

Through free, curriculum-linked resources, StayWise helps children and young people build practical safety knowledge, develop resilience and gain the confidence to navigate everyday risks. Topics include fire safety, water safety, road safety, first aid, online safety and emergency preparedness.

As the new academic year approaches, educators, youth workers and community leaders can access a wide range of free StayWise resources designed to support safety education. From ready-to-use lesson plans to interactive activities, our materials make it easy to help children and young people build confidence, resilience and practical life skills. If you or someone you know works with children and young people, why not explore StayWise resources

We're also recognising the fantastic contribution of initiatives such as UK Fire Cadets, which support young people to develop confidence, leadership and life skills while making a positive difference in their communities.

Visit www.staywise.co.uk to discover resources and start building resilience in your classroom, group or community today.

11/08/2026

A fifth heatwave this summer and worsening drought conditions are increasing wildfire risk across England and Wales.

When vegetation is this dry, it only takes one spark to start a fire. Wildfires place significant pressure on fire and rescue services, often requiring large numbers of firefighters and specialist resources for prolonged periods.

Help protect your community by following wildfire safety advice.

Read more:
https://nfcc.org.uk/fire-chiefs-warn-of-sustained-wildfire-pressures-as-drought-spreads-across-england-and-wales/

06/08/2026

Last chance for fire and rescue teams to register for the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation Festival of Rescue 2026. It promises to be an incredible couple of days, and this year will be hosted by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Register now to be part of it!

Registration is still open for the UKRO Festival of Rescue 2026 with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Taking place at the University of Essex from 11–12 September, this is your chance to put your skills, teamwork and decision-making to the test in the Extrication and Trauma Challenges.

Sign up your team today and be part of one of the UK fire and rescue sector’s most inspiring learning events: https://ukro.org/?page_id=2729

25/07/2026

Today is World Drowning Prevention Day and we are sharing some simple but vital water safety advice.
Drowning can happen quickly but knowing what to do could help save a life.
Phone 999 for help. Float to live - tell them . Throw something to help them float.

As part of World Drowning Prevention Day, why not practise finding your float in a safe, supervised environment, like a lifeguarded swimming pool or beach. Find out more: https://www.respectthewater.com/campaigns-resources/world-drowning-prevention-day/

Watch and share our video to help spread this lifesaving advice.