Eastern Region - Fire Brigades Union

25/08/2026

While the focus of the wildfires experienced across the country has been on firefighters on the ground, very visible to the public and rightly recognised for their incredible efforts over what appears to be the new normal for the fire service, our control staff have also been struggling to manage these incidents and keep resourcing the rest of the brigade areas while keeping firefighters and public safe. In the latest edition of Firefighter magazine, our EC member Rebecca Lewington, a control firefighter,.and the Control Staff National Committee Secretary Caroline Saunderson, sat down and explained the crisis in the control rooms with issues ranging from crewing, to issues with systems and the effect of over a decade of austerity on our members. They highlight these issues being felt all year round, all over the country.

07/08/2026

From Scotland to Suffolk, the UK has been on fire in recent weeks. We have shared the stories from the ground this last week.

Hundreds of acres of wild and farm land has been burning and the lack of resources we have to resolve these incidents has once again been highlighted in the most extreme ways.

Recent years have seen the Eastern Region brought to its knees as wild fires ripped through our counties.

In 2022, Norfolk lost 14 homes and had fire engines from museums recommissioned to deliver water, major incidents were declared in every brigade and firefighters taken to hospital for exhaustion. Chiefs called it unprecedented but just one degree lower and it was just another hot day.

In 2026, the picture has been even more shocking.

The Highland Farm fire in Essex resulted in a major incident being declared, with Norfolk and Suffolk declaring major incidents in the same week. Over the border assistance meant resources to back fill in those brigades were also stretched and at the heart of every emergency 999 call are our control members, working with failing technology and often short crewed, leaving them unable in some instances to take welfare breaks.

The fire and rescue service is at breaking point and without much needed investment, the situation can only get worse.

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

30/07/2026

“Over the past week, hundreds of firefighters and firefighter control across Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk have responded to a series of significant wildfires and other emergency incidents in exceptionally difficult conditions.

Despite extreme temperatures, prolonged incidents and increasing operational pressures, firefighters have continued to protect their communities with professionalism, courage and dedication.

The recent major incidents demonstrate a clear reality for all to see; that wildfires and extreme weather are no longer rare events, they are increasingly a common risks facing fire and rescue services and our communities.

As these risks continue to grow, the government must ensure our fire and rescue services have the funding, crewing, appliances and specialist equipment needed to respond safely and effectively.

Our members continue to answer the call, but they cannot continue to be expected to do more with less.

We are proud of every firefighter and firefighter control who has worked tirelessly to protect lives, homes and the environment during these challenging times.

These major incidents highlight that climate change is changing the risks we face. Investment in our fire services has to keep pace with that reality.

Eastern Region FBU will continue to campaign for properly funded, properly crewed fire and rescue services. We urge the public to follow fire safety advice throughout the summer."

Eastern Regional Committee

25/07/2026

Update at 12pm from Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton I want to provide an update on the fire at Highlands Farm, near East Hanningfield, and to recognise the incredible efforts of our firefighters and partner agencies who have responded to this significant incident. This is one of the most challenging....

02/07/2026

🚨 The results from the pay ballot are in.

Firefighters and control firefighters have voted to accept the 2026 pay offer.

Wholetime, control and RDS firefighters should receive a 3.8% pay increase in their July pay packets.

25/06/2026

There’s still time to cast your vote and have your say on pay 2026

20/06/2026

Eastern Region officials are in touch with and supporting local officials and members in Bedfordshire. It goes without saying our immense pride in the exemplary professionalism of our firefighters and firefighters control who handled and attended the incident. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the train driver and with all the passengers.

The Fire Brigades Union is saddened to learn of the death of a train driver following yesterday’s rail incident near Bedford.

Our thoughts are with their family, friends, colleagues and all those affected by this tragic event and members across rmtunion TSSA - Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association aslefunion

We also recognise the tireless efforts of firefighters, firefighter control and fellow emergency service workers who responded to the incident, including those working in hospitals to assist the injured caught up in this tragic incident.

22/05/2026

Important news regarding firefighter pensions