Artificial intelligence to enhance wildfire detection using satellite data

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

NOAA’s new AI wildfire detection system

A new artificial intelligence program developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aims to identify wildfires as small as an acre by analysing images from weather satellites orbiting approximately 22,000 miles above Earth.

As reported by Phys.org, the AI, called the Next Generation Fire System, processes vast amounts of satellite data, detecting heat from fires smaller than a football field and flagging potential new fires for human verification.

This system, tested in Boulder, promises to reduce the time between fire detection and response, a critical factor in fire containment.

Mike Pavolonis, NOAA Satellites’ Wildland Fire Program manager, explained the advantage: “While humans are great at detecting a new fire from satellite images, they can’t process the data as quickly and easily as the AI program.”

The system underwent its first significant test run with fire weather forecasters, state wildfire managers, and researchers using simulated fire scenarios.

Real-time application and success of the Next Generation Fire System

The Next Generation Fire System has been online in an experimental form for about a year, but agencies have now started using it in real time.

The system provides GPS locations of suspected fires, which are more accurate than traditional methods of locating smoke sources.

It also offers information about fuels in the area and potential weather conditions that could affect fire behaviour.

Zach Tolby, manager of NOAA’s Fire Weather Testbed, highlighted the tool’s importance for remote areas: “In populated areas, 911 gets called pretty quickly when there is new smoke. But that’s not the case in more rural areas.”

The program’s advanced detection capabilities are crucial as wildfires in the West have become larger and more devastating due to drought, climate change, and decades of fire suppression.

Broader AI applications and funding in wildfire management

NOAA’s artificial intelligence initiative is one of several projects leveraging AI to detect and combat wildfires.

In Colorado, multiple governments and companies, including Xcel Energy Colorado and the Aspen Fire Department, use AI-driven systems like those provided by Pano AI to monitor for smoke.

State lawmakers in Colorado attempted to allocate $2 million for AI camera systems in 2023, but the bill did not pass.

However, the federal government has invested heavily in new technologies for wildfire management, with the Fire Weather Testbed and the Next Generation Fire System funded through a $5 billion allocation in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad commented on the impact of rising temperatures and frequent droughts: “Rising temperatures, declining snowpack and frequent droughts are all leading to a dramatic surge in wildfire frequency and severity across the United States.”

He added that the investments aim to develop tools to improve forecast accuracy and assist local officials in decision-making.

Continued advancements in wildfire detection technology

NOAA has long used weather satellites for wildfire detection, but recent technological advancements have significantly enhanced their utility.

The organisation is also working on an AI program to detect and predict lightning strikes, which can potentially start wildfires based on weather conditions and other factors.

Pavolonis expressed optimism about the progress made: “The rate at which progress has been made on this has been pretty exciting.”

Google expands wildfire boundary maps to Europe and Africa

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Expansion of wildfire tracking to new regions

Google has announced the expansion of its wildfire boundary tracker to 15 new countries across Europe and Africa.

This expansion aims to provide vital information to communities, helping them stay safe amidst increasing wildfire risks.

As reported by Google, the tool, which utilizes AI for detailed wildfire boundary tracking, is now available in Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Monaco, Montenegro, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovenia, Spain, and Türkiye.

During a week in July, wildfires severely affected regions such as the Greek islands of Kos, Chios, and Crete, and the Spanish community of Extremadura, where authorities deployed 60 personnel to control a forest fire.

In the Paphos region of Cyprus, a wildfire was reportedly caused by light refracted through broken glass.

Estimates suggest that fire-prone territories in Europe have doubled in the past 50 years.

Enhanced accuracy with AI technology

Google’s AI-powered wildfire tracking model leverages multiple sources of data, including various satellite imagery datasets.

The model’s accuracy is enhanced by comparing it against fire scars, which are shapes determined after a fire has been contained.

Additional AI models are used to verify the existence of fires, providing more definitive wildfire boundaries than satellite imagery alone.

As of this summer, Google mapped over 40 wildfires in southern Europe, including those in Spain, Greece, and Cyprus, and extended the tracking from Portugal to Kenya.

This information was made available through Google Search, Maps, and push notifications, complementing on-the-ground efforts to keep people informed and safe.

In the first week of July alone, 1.4 million people viewed Google’s wildfire information following wildfire outbreaks across Europe and Africa.

Providing accessible information for all

The wildfire boundary tracking feature is designed to be accessible and useful to both native language speakers and visitors who may not speak the local language.

Notifications are based on user settings and preferred language, ensuring timely, localized information.

Additionally, wildfire information is overlaid on Google Maps driving directions, aiding travelers in understanding potential wildfire risks along their routes.

This initiative is part of Google’s broader efforts to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and the hazards it brings.

By improving their models over time, Google aims to expand this feature to more countries, continuing to provide critical information when it is needed most.

EU civil protection mechanism boosts disaster response and preparedness across Europe

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Disaster response: Increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in Europe

Natural disasters in Europe have become more frequent and severe in recent years, causing extensive casualties and damage to infrastructure and the environment, as reported by the EU Commission.

The European Union has taken a central role in coordinating responses to various emergencies, including floods, storms, forest fires, earthquakes, and human-induced disasters.

Disasters can strike multiple countries simultaneously without warning, necessitating a well-coordinated joint response.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism, established in 2001, aims to enhance cooperation among EU member states and ten additional participating countries.

It focuses on improving disaster prevention, preparedness, and response.

Emergency response coordination

During emergencies, countries can request assistance through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which operates around the clock.

The ERCC monitors global events and facilitates the rapid deployment of emergency support by connecting with national civil protection authorities.

This system allows for the quick mobilisation of specialised teams and equipment, such as firefighting planes, search and rescue teams, and medical units.

The ERCC also utilises the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) for precise geospatial information to aid in planning disaster relief operations.

This service supports efforts in disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, providing essential data for effective management.

rescEU and health emergency responses

The rescEU program, fully funded by the EU and hosted by member countries, further enhances disaster protection by managing emerging risks.

This reserve includes firefighting planes, helicopters, medical evacuation planes, and stockpiles of medical items and field hospitals.

For the 2024 wildfire season, the EU has established a fleet of 32 aerial firefighting assets and 556 firefighters across Europe, supplementing the rescEU reserve.

In health emergencies, the European Medical Corps coordinates responses under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Since 2020, rescEU has strengthened medical preparedness by maintaining reserves of medical supplies and evacuation capabilities, enhancing the European Medical Corps’ ability to provide rapid medical assistance.

The European emergency phone number 112, available free of charge across the EU, connects callers to emergency services, including ambulances, fire brigades, and police.

Specially trained operators ensure that calls are directed to the appropriate service promptly.

Raising awareness on WUI fires with new tools by the U.S. Fire Administration

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

U.S. fire administration develops new WUI awareness tools

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has launched two new tools designed to enhance awareness of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas across the United States.

As reported by the USFA, these tools aim to help local fire services and community stakeholders understand the locations of WUI areas and their potential susceptibility to wildfires.

The two tools are the WUI Fire Property Awareness Explorer and the WUI Fire Community Awareness Explorer.

The USFA developed these tools in response to the increasing number of structures destroyed and areas burned due to wildfires, as well as the expanding WUI areas caused by new building developments and climate change.

These tools will aid in the implementation of community risk reduction, code adoption, enforcement, mitigation, and planning efforts.

WUI fire property awareness explorer

The WUI Fire Property Awareness Explorer allows users to search addresses or communities to understand their proximity to WUI areas and vegetative fuels.

This tool provides data on a location’s structure density and proximity, which are crucial for creating fire-adapted communities and developing mitigation plans.

According to the USFA, this tool helps residents to “know where you live” in relation to fire-prone areas.

The goal is to raise awareness as the first step, encouraging residents to take action in preparing for and mitigating risks at the individual and property levels.

WUI fire community awareness explorer

The WUI Fire Community Awareness Explorer offers a quick snapshot of counties or places in the U.S.

and their potential exposure to wildfire hazards for structures in the WUI.

This dashboard enables users to identify vulnerable structures or areas in the WUI, informing community risk reduction planning and targeted outreach efforts.

The USFA emphasises that these tools are designed to increase awareness rather than measure or convey risk.

Encouragement for community use

The USFA encourages local fire services and community stakeholders to utilise these new WUI fire awareness tools.

By doing so, they can focus their mitigation and risk reduction efforts on building more resilient, fire-adapted communities.

The tools are intended to provide consistent data that can be applied to community risk reduction, code adoption, enforcement, and planning efforts.

Rosenbauer introduces the HEROS H10 helmet for global firefighting

by Featured NewsPPEProductsWildland Fire

New helmet designed for forest and wildland firefighting

Rosenbauer has announced the launch of the HEROS H10 helmet, designed to complement the existing HEROS Titan and HEROS H30 models.

As reported by Rosenbauer, the HEROS H10 is specifically tailored for forest and wildland firefighting, as well as technical rescue operations.

The helmet meets five European standards, making it suitable for high-altitude and water rescue missions.

Additionally, it is certified to the Australian standard, highlighting its global applicability.

A key feature of the HEROS H10 is its compatibility with other HEROS family helmets, including interchangeable interior fittings, which enhances cleaning, hygiene, and parts availability.

Production details and capacity

The first prototypes of the HEROS H10 were successfully manufactured in May 2024.

Series production is set to begin in July 2024 at Rosenbauer’s Pichling plant near Linz, Austria.

This facility, known for its high-quality firefighting equipment, will produce up to 130,000 custom helmets annually in a single-shift operation.

The plant’s workforce includes highly skilled personnel with extensive experience in helmet production.

The on-site quality department maintains rigorous standards, ensuring the safety and reliability of each helmet.

Advanced IT support, including a 3D configurator in the Rosenbauer Online Shop, allows for customer-specific adjustments, while RFID technology ensures precision and efficiency in the production process.

Sustainable practices and local partnerships

Rosenbauer demonstrates a commitment to sustainability in its production practices.

Most suppliers are located near the Pichling plant, reducing transportation time and CO2 emissions.

The company uses high-temperature resistant yet recyclable polyamide thermoplastics instead of problematic duroplastics, reflecting an environmentally responsible approach to manufacturing.

Global impact of the HEROS H10

The combination of advanced technology, production efficiency, and Austrian craftsmanship positions the HEROS H10 as a premier firefighting helmet.

Rosenbauer expects the helmet to positively impact the safety and comfort of emergency response teams worldwide.

Study reveals wildfire impact on biodiversity in Iran’s Zagros oak forests

by Middle East - Breaking NewsWildland Fire

Analysis of fire trends in Iran’s Zagros oak forests highlights impact on vertebrate habitat

A recent study, by Sayahnia, R., Ommi, S., Khoshnamvand, H. et al., examines the impact of wildfires on the biodiversity of Iran’s Zagros oak forests.

This region, known for its rich biodiversity, faces frequent threats from wildfires.

The study utilizes space–time scan statistics permutation (STSSP) model and remote-sensing MODIS data to analyze fire patterns and their effects on vertebrate species from 2000 to 2021.

The findings reveal an annual fire rate of 76.2 occurrences per year in the Zagros forests.

The northwest and a part of the southern Zagros show the highest fire rates, with clusters of fires indicating a wide spatial distribution.

Notably, these fire-prone areas also possess the richest species diversity and highest habitat value.

The study highlights a significant correlation between habitat value and the extent of burned areas, emphasizing the need for targeted fire protection efforts.

Impact of fires on vertebrate diversity

The research highlights that regions with the highest fire rates also house a diverse range of vertebrate species, including many endemic to the area.

Small vertebrates, such as amphibians and reptiles, are particularly affected by wildfires.

While some studies suggest that these species can find shelter during fires, the long-term impact on their populations is concerning.

Bird species, including endangered birds of prey like the Egyptian vulture and the saker falcon, also face threats from fires.

Interestingly, some bird species benefit from the changing habitat conditions post-fire, showing increased richness patterns.

However, for mammals, especially small ones like the Persian squirrel, the fires can lead to habitat loss and population decline.

Larger mammals are better equipped to escape fire-affected areas, but their smaller counterparts remain vulnerable.

Strategic planning for fire protection

The overlap between high-risk fire zones and areas of significant ecological value underscores the need for strategic planning.

The study shows that 76% of the total burned area occurred in habitats classified as high value.

The average burned area per fire has increased significantly over the past two decades, highlighting an urgent need for effective fire management strategies.

The results indicate that human activities, such as agriculture and grazing, contribute to the fire risks in these regions.

The study calls for the implementation of early warning systems, fire suppression techniques, and post-fire rehabilitation measures.

Prioritizing areas with high biodiversity and frequent fire occurrences for protection can mitigate the adverse impacts of wildfires on the Zagros oak forests’ ecosystems.

The full study ‘Fire protection priorities in the oak forests of Iran with an emphasis on vertebrate habitat preservation’ was published on Scientific Reports and can be found here.

Vallfirest joins EUROMED pilot workshop to tackle wildfires

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

EUROMED workshop on wildfire management

Vallfirest participated in the EUROMED pilot workshop, an event organised by the ONPC of Tunisia, DG ECHO, and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).

The workshop gathered experts from various countries to discuss strategies against wildfires in the Mediterranean region, as reported by Vallfirest.

The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), established by the European Union in 2001, promotes cooperation in civil protection among member states and associated countries.

This mechanism facilitates the exchange of resources and best practices, consolidating disaster response capabilities.

Union for the Mediterranean and civil protection

The Union for the Mediterranean, founded fifteen years ago, aims to transform the region into an area of peace and cooperation.

Civil protection is fundamental to regional stability.

Recently, the UfM approved the principle of a Mediterranean Civil Protection Framework to strengthen efforts in the region.

The EUROMED workshop addressed the growing threat of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change.

Discussions focused on cross-border management strategies for the 2024 fire season, supported by the European Commission.

Key presentations and discussions

Vallfirest presented its innovations in fire management equipment and safety.

Notable presentations included strategies from Tunisia and Algeria on fire management, DG ECHO’s role of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Wildfires by Nîmes Métropole, Morocco’s oasis fire management, Lebanon’s National Early Warning Platform, and the use of space technologies and early detection systems.

The event also included decision-making workshops, demonstrations, and meetings with industry professionals.

Recommendations and conclusions

The workshop concluded with recommendations to enhance regional cooperation, share data, organize exchange missions, and develop interoperability criteria.

The need to establish a regional crisis management centre in Tunisia was highlighted.

The success of the workshop underscores the importance of continuous collaboration and early planning for future fire seasons.

Vallfirest expressed commitment to strengthening the resilience of Mediterranean communities against natural disasters.

Vallfirest thanked the organisers, participants, and partners for their collaboration, stating: “Together, we can ensure a safer future for the Mediterranean region.”

Greece invests €20 million in advanced wildfire monitoring with OroraTech

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Greece’s €20 million satellite investment for wildfire monitoring

Greece’s Ministry of Digital Governance has announced a €20 million investment in a new wildfire monitoring system in collaboration with OroraTech, a thermal intelligence provider, and a consortium of Greek subcontractors.

The system will include ground systems, processing services, and a constellation of thermal imaging satellites to monitor the entire country for wildfires.

This initiative is part of the European Space Agency’s development contract, led by the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and the Hellenic Space Center.

The investment aims to address the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Greece.

Greek Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou stated: “By investing specifically into orbital technology, we are making a real difference in monitoring wildfires that threaten human lives, our ecosystems, and our economy.”

OroraTech’s system is expected to enhance situational awareness by scanning for fires from orbit.

OroraTech’s role and partnerships

OroraTech, founded in 2018 and based in Munich, uses infrared data from satellites to provide wildfire intelligence to government and private industry customers.

The company, along with its Greek partners, secured the contract through an open tender by the European Space Agency to support the Greek National Satellites Space Program.

Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Agency, commented: “The capability OroraTech developed through the agency’s funding is a powerful example of space technologies providing immediate and critical benefits here on Earth.”

OroraTech will work closely with several Greek universities and industry partners, including the National Technical University of Athens for data product algorithms, the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens for space sensor development and calibration, Satways Ltd. for product interoperability, and Attisat S.A. for building a Greek-based ground station.

Future prospects and local impact

The project will see OroraTech making significant investments in Greece over the coming years, including opening an operations hub in Athens for its space sensor fleet and a development team dedicated to advanced infrared sensing technology.

CEO and CTO of OroraTech, Martin Langer, noted: “The world-class know-how of our Greek partners for thermal sensing is instrumental in providing the best solution for this country.

“Greece will be the first country worldwide to have a national satellite-based wildfire system in place.”

As Greece prepares for another hot summer, the implementation of this system is timely.

In recent years, wildfires have affected around 2 percent of Greece’s total land area.

The country’s rough mountainous terrain and numerous islands make fighting wildfires particularly challenging, necessitating more advanced detection technologies.

Implementation and challenges

The data services provided by OroraTech will be directly connected to Greek emergency services, leveraging the expertise of Greek universities and industries.

This integration is crucial for monitoring fires in remote and mountainous areas where communication is limited.

The advanced detection technologies are expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wildfire management in Greece.

The collaboration between OroraTech and Greek institutions highlights the importance of combining local expertise with advanced technological solutions.

The success of this project could serve as a model for other countries facing similar wildfire challenges.

Data-driven drone detection: Addressing outdated data during wildfire operations with Robotto

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Kenneth Richard Geipel, Co-Founder & CEO of Robotto, delves into FireAI’s use of edge-level AI for enhancing firefighting operations through autonomous drones and immediate situational update

I come from a background in the Danish Armed Forces, where I spent about ten years and had three deployments in Afghanistan with reconnaissance.

After my third deployment, I needed a change of pace.

So, I decided to pursue my other passion: robotics.

At university, I worked in a group with the people who are now my co-founders.

Robotto started as a spinoff from our bachelor thesis, where we developed a novel method to use neural networks on drones to calculate objects in 3D using a single camera.

Although I hold the title of CEO, I see myself more as a co-founder.

Our first product was in the wildfire space.

We realised that firefighters struggle with outdated data during wildfire operations.

Typically, the data they use is 12 to 24 hours old, often from satellites.

This delay means that every time they respond to a fire, the operation is delayed because they first need to gain an updated overview of the situation.

Development

The inspiration came from our work with edge-level AI on drones.

This means all data processing occurs locally on the drone, allowing real-time data processing and enabling the drone to act on the situation immediately.

We equipped the drones with small GPUs or processing modules, and we have a custom setup that communicates with the drone.

Here’s how it works: you’re given a map of the current area, you select the operation area, press go, and the drone operates completely autonomously from there.

It calculates the route to the area and within it, our AI looks for fire, smoke, or heat signatures through a thermal camera.

When the drone detects a fire, it maps it out in real time, providing firefighters with immediate situational awareness.

Real-time awareness

FireAI enhances traditional systems by providing real-time situational awareness.

Currently, firefighters struggle with outdated data.

When using drones powered by FireAI, first responders can deploy the drone to instantly map out the fire in the field.

Additionally, because our system works autonomously, drones can cover high-risk areas and identify fires as they occur, alerting local security.

Our software has the potential to integrate with larger platforms, such as fixed-wing aircraft and other drone platforms, to monitor extensive areas continuously.

This setup ensures firefighters receive immediate data whenever a fire is detected.

Edge-level processing

Our differentiation lies in our use of edge-level processing.

The entire system is designed to be completely autonomous, with no data transferred back and forth.

All our navigation is visually based, meaning the system can be deployed anywhere in the world, even without satellite or other connections.

You simply provide an operational area for the drone, send it out, and it handles everything.

The drone identifies fires, calculates their locations, and measures wind speed and direction.

This allows the drone to navigate safely around fires, mapping them out before surveying the rest of the area.

We mount a GPU on the drone, sending all telemetry data and camera feeds to it.

This enables the drone to understand its situation and respond accordingly.

If it would help, I can send you a video from some live operations in Spain, so you can see how the end user experiences it.

A GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is a specialised processor designed to accelerate graphics rendering.

In the context of FireAI, the GPU is used to handle complex calculations and data processing on the drone itself.

This allows the drone to perform tasks such as identifying fires, calculating their locations, and navigating autonomously in real time.

By using a GPU, the system can operate efficiently and independently without needing constant data transfers to and from a central server.

Post-operational review

While the news often focuses on large wildfires with huge flames and extensive fire fronts, a significant part of wildfire operations happens after these major events.

This is known as the mop-up phase.

During this phase, firefighters need to search the entire area for hotspots that could reignite.

Traditionally, this involves combing through the area with their resources to check for pockets of thermal output, or hotspots.

Using our technology, we can detect hotspots down to a diameter of 15 centimetres and map them out.

This allows firefighters to survey these areas much faster using an aerial view.

They can then focus their efforts on specific locations, putting a hose in the ground to extinguish any remaining fires.

FireAI has a KML export function.

This essentially creates a map of the fire, generated from the drone’s data.

Firefighters need to share this fire map with their team, so we integrated the function with various services, including WhatsApp.

This allows firefighters to send the KML files directly from the drone controller to anyone who needs it, enabling instant sharing within the organisation.

During hands-on trials with our collaborators at Bombers GRAF, we prioritised perimeter mapping.

This was in response to the pressing challenges of vast fires and prolonged delays for updated fire maps.

However, as emergencies evolved, the importance of post-operation assessments surged.

We introduced a feature targeting the detection of smaller hot spots, which might pose risks when exiting a site.

Unlike the perimeter mapping that contours the fire’s boundary, hot spot detection works on the premise that there aren’t significant heat sources.

It focuses on flying above and pinpointing these hot spots, integrating them into a map for detailed analysis.

User response

We co-developed FireAI with the Danish Emergency Management Agency and several fire services, including NASUWT and cattle and firefighters.

We discovered that the firefighting industry is quite traditional, often still using methods from the 1980s.

One of the main challenges we face is the adoption of this technology, especially because it involves autonomous drones.

There is some hesitancy towards using autonomous systems due to risk assessments.

For instance, concerns arise about potential conflicts if an air tanker or another aircraft enters the same airspace.

To address this, we designed the system so that users can take manual control of the drone whenever necessary.

However, we have also encountered resistance from manned aircraft operators who perform similar fire mapping missions, showing some pushback against this new technology.

Future firefighting

Our team is currently in Torino working on the next iteration of FireAI.

Since wildfires are seasonal, we want to create a tool that firefighters can use year-round.

We are expanding its capabilities to include search and rescue operations, where it can detect personnel in the wild.

Additionally, we are incorporating flood mapping into the system.

Moreover, we are currently integrating FireAI into fixed-wing aircraft, extending the flight time from about 30 minutes to three hours.

This is a significant improvement, and we hope it will provide enough value for firefighters to adopt the technology more widely.

About the author

Kenneth Richard Geipel is the Co-Founder & CEO of Robotto, a multi-award-winning startup integrating drones with AI and computer vision technologies.

He started his career in the Danish Armed Forces, becoming the youngest Corporal and receiving the Armed Forces Appreciation for Extraordinary Service.

Kenneth pursued a career in robotics, leading to the creation of Robotto from a bachelor thesis in 2018.

Robotto focuses on developing autonomous, edge-computing systems for real-time data processing in various critical applications.

This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

UK fire service under pressure amid rising temperatures, says Fire Brigades Union

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Fire Brigades Union calls for urgent action

The Fire Brigades Union has called for “urgent action” from the next government to prepare the UK for rising temperatures following this week’s heatwave.

Warnings for heat and wildfires have been in force across much of the country.

The union’s general secretary warned that the UK fire and rescue service was “fragmented, overstretched and chronically underfunded.”

Climate change is resulting in record-breaking temperatures, with an increased risk of heatwaves. Firefighters warn that urgent investment is needed to prevent a repeat of July 2022, when fire and rescue services were pushed to breaking point.

Impact of 2022 heatwave on London Fire Brigade

On 19 July 2022, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported its busiest day since World War II, evacuating approximately 500 people and taking nearly 3,000 calls.

In Wennington, East London, two rows of terraced houses were destroyed by fire.

However, that day, 39 fire engines were out of action without enough firefighters to crew them. The LFB was unable to send vital specialist equipment to some of the worst fires, while the control room taking calls declared an understaffing emergency.

Sixteen firefighters were injured, and two were hospitalised, with working conditions deemed unsafe.

Statements from Fire Brigades Union general secretary

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, emphasised the need for immediate government response to the climate emergency. Wrack stated:

“An incoming Labour government will need to wake up to the harsh reality of the climate emergency. We need urgent decarbonisation to avert the worst dangers of climate collapse, but we also need to adapt.”

He added: “Firefighters are battling the effects of soaring temperatures, but a decade of brutal cuts has left the UK unprepared. The fire and rescue service is fragmented, overstretched and chronically underfunded.

“Two years ago, UK firefighters were pushed to breaking point responding to raging wildfires without enough resources. We must not see a repeat of this chaos.

“The number of extreme weather events will only continue to rise, placing even more pressure on our overstretched fire service. Failing to invest in the fire service means failing to protect homes and lives from climate disasters.”

Preparing for future heatwaves

Firefighters are urging the next government to prioritise investment in the fire and rescue services to handle the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

They stress the importance of adapting to the changing climate and ensuring adequate resources and personnel are available to respond to emergencies.

The Fire Brigades Union highlights that without significant investment, the UK will continue to face challenges in protecting communities and infrastructure from the growing threat of wildfires and other climate-related disasters.