National Fire Chiefs Council - NFCC

11/09/2026

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, UK fire and rescue services will remember those who lost their lives in the attacks and hold in our thoughts the survivors, families, friends and communities who continue to live with the impact.

We join the global fire and rescue service community and people around the world in paying tribute to the 412 emergency service workers, including 343 firefighters, who died in the response and recovery at the World Trade Center. Their courage and selfless service remain an enduring legacy for the fire and rescue community worldwide.

This week at the World Fire Congress in London, representatives from more than 60 nations reflected on the extraordinary bravery, commitment and sacrifice shown by firefighters and other first responders on that day. Together, we honour their memory and recognise the lasting legacy of all those who did not return home.

Phil Garrigan – Chair, National Fire Chiefs Council

09/09/2026

Today is Emergency Services Day ( ).

We proudly join organisations across the UK in remembering those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and recognising the dedication, bravery and commitment of the two million people who work and volunteer across our emergency services every day.

07/09/2026

Get your chimney swept before the colder weather sweeps in so you’re ready for those cosy nights by the fire or stove.

HETAS in partnership with Fire Kills is encouraging people to sweep their chimneys and prevent fires as part of Chimney Fire Safety Week.

You should have your chimney swept at least once a year depending on the appliance and the fuel being used.

We also recommend you install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and test them at least once a month to make sure they work.

Find out more : https://hetas.pulse.ly/cgvwpcmybi

07/09/2026

Today is The Firefighters Memorial Trust’s Annual Service of Remembrance and Wreath Laying Service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

NFCC’s Vice Chair Rick Hylton will lay a wreath in the Firefighters Memorial Garden and join colleagues and young Fire Cadets from fire and rescue services across the UK to pay tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives while serving their communities.

We will never forget their dedication and sacrifice.

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/