Fire Brigades Union Calls for Enhanced Flood Training in Oxfordshire

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is advocating for increased training for firefighters in Oxfordshire, a county described as “flood-plagued.” The union asserts that despite Oxfordshire communities enduring recurrent flooding, the government’s approach to “proactively” addressing the issue has shown “little to no change.” Steve Wright, FBU vice president, stated that the fire service requires additional funding to “adequately” train and equip its personnel. In response, the government affirmed its commitment to continue efforts “to ensure all services have the resources they need to protect communities at the highest standard.” The union contends that the term unprecedented is “no longer applicable or relevant” concerning flooding in Oxfordshire, given the county’s consistent struggle with it in recent years. It further noted that while the fire service provides a response, it is “not statutorily obliged to do so.” In a statement, the FBU declared, “This means that despite the UK government acknowledging the risk the UK Fire and Rescue Service receives no additional funding to adequately train, resource or equip fire service personnel.” The union highlighted that communities continue to experience repeated flooding incidents “that cause untold damage, destruction and threat to life.” It added, “Yet there little is little to no change in response from the UK government in terms of proactively addressing what has now become a regular natural and environmental hazard.” Mr. Wright, who also serves as an executive council member for the southern region, expressed that the public deserves “a better response” from the government. He stated, “No proactive measures have been taken to adequately train, resource or equip an already overstretched [fire and rescue service].” A spokesperson for the Home Office commented, “Throughout the country, our firefighters operate in uniquely challenging and high-risk environments to protect our communities.” The spokesperson further added, “Our Fire and Rescue Services are receiving around £2.87bn in this financial year, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders across the sector to ensure all services have the resources they need to protect communities at the highest standard.”