NFCC calls for stronger Approved Document B reforms to improve building fire safety

by Breaking NewsBuilding Management

Building safety reforms must go further to deliver safer and more inclusive buildings, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has said in response to the latest consultation on Approved Document B.

The organisation has urged the Government to continue modernising the statutory guidance that supports fire safety requirements within the Building Regulations in England, warning that current guidance has not fully kept pace with modern construction methods, changing building use or the needs of a diverse and ageing population.

NFCC welcomes progress on evacuation lifts

The NFCC said the consultation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) includes several measures that would improve clarity and strengthen fire safety standards.

Among the proposals welcomed by the council is the introduction of guidance on evacuation lifts, a measure it said it has called for over many years.

However, the NFCC said the proposed changes do not yet amount to the wider reforms needed to ensure buildings are designed around occupants’ needs and support the Government’s ambition for everyone to reach a place of safety in an emergency without external assistance.

Calls for wider reform of fire safety guidance

  • Wider provision of evacuation lifts to support residents who are unable to use stairs, with safe evacuation based on people’s needs rather than building height.
  • Increased use of sprinklers in specialised housing, both with and without care provision.
  • Further review of fire safety requirements for car parks, including consideration of sprinkler systems and risks linked to modern vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure.
  • Greater clarity, research and testing around modern methods of construction and combustible structural materials.
  • Completion of the wider Approved Document B review programme announced after Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

‘Buildings should be suitable for the people who live in them’

Dave Russel, NFCC Protection Lead, said: “It is encouraging to see progress in a number of areas, particularly the introduction of guidance on evacuation lifts, something NFCC has been calling for over many years.

“But this is about more than individual changes to guidance. Last year, we set out a vision for a building safety system that reflects how people live today, supports those who may need help to evacuate, and keeps pace with modern buildings and modern risks.

“At its heart, this is about people. Buildings should be suitable for the people who live in them, rather than people having to be suitable for buildings. When someone needs to escape a fire, their safety should not depend on whether a building was designed with their needs in mind.

“The Grenfell Tower fire showed why we must put residents at the centre of every decision. We welcome the progress being made and look forward to working with Government and industry to ensure the wider programme of reform delivers safer, more inclusive buildings for everyone.”

Professional safety campaign targets inland water risks to reduce accidental drowning

by Featured NewsIndustry CommentSafety

National fire chiefs highlight male accidental drowning risks

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched its annual Be Water Aware campaign to address data showing that over 80% of accidental drowning victims in the UK are male.

Running from 27 April to 3 May, the initiative warns that 1,604 people died in accidental water incidents between 2019 and 2024.

Statistics reveal that approximately half of these individuals did not intend to enter the water.

Slips, trips and falls are cited as leading causes of these fatalities.

Over 50% of these incidents took place in inland waters including rivers, lakes and canals.

Gavin Ellis, NFCC Drowning Prevention lead, said: “Most people would be surprised to hear how many lives are lost simply because people were spending time in and around water.

“These incidents can happen without warning, and something as simple as a slip near the water’s edge can have serious consequences, particularly when cold water shock takes effect.

“We know that males make up the majority of those those who lose their lives in these incidents, which is why it is so important that this message reaches them.

“This is not just about risk-taking behaviour.

“These are often everyday situations that can quickly lead to serious outcomes, which is why it is important to stay alert around water, even in familiar settings.

“As the weather improves, fire services across the country, alongside colleagues in HM Coastguard and the RNLI, can face large numbers of calls to help people in difficulty in water.

“We want people to enjoy being outdoors, but to be mindful of the risks around water, particularly at this time of year.”

Operational data reveals impact of cold water shock

London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that 40% of its water-related callouts occur between May and August.

The brigade has attended more than 1,500 water incidents in the last five years, with 103 non-suicide drowning fatalities recorded in the capital.

Data indicates that 28% of these incidents are concentrated in the riverside boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth and Richmond.

LFB recently attended a fatal incident in the River Brent where a woman and a boy died despite rescue efforts by crews.

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha said: “Our thoughts are with the family and their loved ones following this tragedy and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

“Sadly, over 100 people have died in non-suicide related drownings in London over the last five years, so this Be Water Aware Week we want to remind Londoners about the real and immediate dangers of open water.

“We know that the warmer weather can tempt people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.

“Many Londoners are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth – all of which could prove fatal.

“If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present.

“If you see someone else in difficulty, don’t enter the water yourself.

“Call 999 and try to throw them something that floats.”

Safety advice for the public includes following the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Float to Live technique by tilting the head back and maintaining calm breathing.

Secure Information Boxes ensure fire services have critical data

by EvacuationFeatured NewsSafety

Guidance for information boxes

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have published an updated Code of Practice for the provision of secure information boxes (SIBs) in residential buildings.

This revised document responds to legislative changes and recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The guidance supports the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025.

It provides a framework for responsible persons, designers and regulators to manage SIBs, which were formerly known as Premises Information Boxes (PIBs).

The Code outlines recommendations for the specification, location and maintenance of these enclosures.

It also details the management of Emergency Response Packs (ERPs) to assist fire and rescue services during an incident.

Technical requirements and resident safety

The Code of Practice requires the ERP to include UK contact details for the responsible person and a logbook for tracking access.

It specifies that the pack must contain “Off the Run” notices for any defective fire safety equipment.

Two sets of A3-sized encapsulated plans must be provided within the box.

These plans include orientation maps showing water supplies and floor-by-floor layouts identifying firefighting facilities.

The guidance states: “It highlights the importance of ensuring that fire and rescue services have access to reliable, up-to-date information to support effective decision-making during an incident.

“There is a strong emphasis throughout on the needs of residents, particularly those who may require assistance to evacuate.

“The guidance incorporates the requirements for Resident Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) and promotes the importance of handling sensitive information securely while ensuring it remains accessible when needed.”

Physical enclosures must be certified to standards such as LPS 1175 or STS 205 to resist unauthorised access.

Siting for the SIB is recommended at the primary arrival point between 1.4m and 2.5m from the floor.

The document introduces a colour-coded system to identify residents requiring assistance, with Category 1 (Red) for those needing three or more people for rescue.

Firefighter health checks planned under new government concordat

by Breaking News

Firefighter health checks and research funding

Firefighters in England will receive regular health checks under a new Firefighters Concordat on Health and Wellbeing announced on 16 April 2026, with government funding also directed to research on long term occupational risks.

The Department of Health and Social Care said Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced the agreement at the Fire Brigades Union on 16 April 2026.

The concordat is intended to improve prevention, early diagnosis and support during service and after service.

It will be delivered through a working group established under the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform.

The government said every firefighter in the country will receive consistent, regular health checks.

New funding will be directed through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to build evidence on firefighter health and wellbeing.

The research will examine mental health, musculoskeletal health, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The government said there will be a specific focus on underrepresented groups in the profession, including women, with reference to kit and protective equipment not designed for them.

The agreement will also raise awareness of NHS services that could support firefighters, including mental health support, cancer screening and musculoskeletal care.

Firefighter occupation will be recorded in NHS records so doctors can make better informed decisions.

Firefighters concordat to be delivered through sector working group

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “We cannot continue to ask people to give everything in service of others and then fail them when they need help themselves.”

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair Phil Garrigan said: “Supporting further research and building a stronger evidence base will be vital to improving understanding of occupational risk and ensuring firefighters receive appropriate, timely support throughout their careers.”

Building Safety Minister Samantha Dixon said: “It’s a serious, long-term promise to understand the risks they take and make sure every firefighter gets the health support they deserve – during their career and beyond.”

Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Steve Wright said: “The commitment from the Health Secretary to increase health monitoring for firefighters is a very welcome and important step forward.”

The working group will bring together government, fire and rescue services, employers and representative bodies to establish monitoring that can better assess firefighter health and spot risks earlier.

NFCC Apprenticeship Awards recognise UK fire service nominees

by EventsFeatured News

NFCC apprenticeship awards held in Birmingham

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) held its third annual Apprenticeship Awards in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March, recognising apprentices and training providers from across the UK’s fire and rescue services.

NFCC said the awards, launched in 2024, were created to recognise excellence among fire and rescue service apprentices and training providers.

This year’s programme received 198 nominations across seven award categories, which NFCC said was more than double the number received in 2025.

The evening was organised by the NFCC Events team and Apprenticeship Deputy Lead Ashley Roberts.

It also highlighted the work of the NFCC Apprenticeship Network, which brings together apprenticeship professionals, training providers and assessment organisations to share best practice and support the sector’s long-term development.

Winners and sector response

The 2026 winners included Kate Chetland-Johnson of London Fire Brigade for the Inclusion Champion Award and Amanda Kennedy of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year.

Richie Mathews of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service won Apprentice Support of the Year, while Sue Mottershead of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received the Apprenticeship Champion Award.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was named Apprenticeship Provider of the Year and James Miller of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service won Operational Apprentice of the Year.

In the Apprenticeship Project of the Year category, Recruit Course 1/25 from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Prevention Apprentices from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were named winners.

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and NFCC Lead on Apprenticeships, said: “The awards inspire services to prioritise high-quality apprenticeship programmes and help raise training standards nationwide.

“Championing apprentice success enhances professionalism and builds capability across the UK’s fire community.”

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “It’s important that we recognise and praise the innovation, commitment and fresh perspectives apprentices bring to the sector as well as the transformative impact apprenticeships continue to have on hundreds of young people.”

NFCC also congratulated all nominees and winners recognised in this year’s awards.

SFJ Awards opens consultation on fire safety training suite

by Featured NewsSafetyTraining

Fire safety training qualifications consultation opens

A stakeholder consultation has launched to support a review of the fire safety suite of qualifications that form the basis of fire safety training for fire safety regulators.

SFJ Awards said the consultation follows an initial review phase led by SFJ Awards in collaboration with the Home Office, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the London Fire Brigade and others.

The suite includes a Level 3 Certificate, a Level 4 Certificate and a Level 4 Diploma.

The initial phase updated the qualifications’ content.

What the review covers and why input is being sought

The consultation aims to capture views from a wider pool of experts and practitioners as the review process is finalised.

Adreena Parkin-Coates of the NFCC was part of the expert working group that carried out the initial phase of the review.

Parkin-Coates said: “Fire safety roles are central to minimising and mitigating the risk of harm to people, property and the environment from fire.

“Ensuring the workforce is fully prepared for the rigours and challenges of the role requires a robust set of qualifications suitable for all different learners.

“The suite was reviewed in its entirety to promote consistent regulation and fire safety standards across fire and rescue services and reduce content duplication for learners.

“Following this initial evaluation, we now invite input from a wider group of stakeholders as we finalise the review process.”

David Higham, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, said: “The fire safety suite of qualifications offers a structured development pathway for fire safety regulators, providing a platform for developing the dedicated workforce to keep people, property and the environment safe from fire.

“The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Safety have each been reviewed by the expert working group to ensure alignment with current best practices and now the consultation stage seeks the views of stakeholders to ensure that practical considerations are fully accounted for.

“Following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster in 2017, it is widely recognised that qualifications which support the training and development of fire safety personnel must be fit for purpose and I encourage stakeholders to submit their valued representations.”

The consultation covering the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety, the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety is now live.

Mozambique flood response in numbers from UK ISAR

by Featured NewsFlooding

Mozambique deployment concluded after flood rescue response

Specialist teams from UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) have concluded a flood response deployment to Mozambique after extreme rainfall caused flooding.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said 36 UK ISAR members were deployed to support the national response led by the Mozambican Government.

An initial group of seven specialists arrived on 20 January to assess conditions and coordinate with local authorities.

A further 29 personnel from UK fire and rescue services followed.

Teams deployed with four rescue boats, drones and specialist equipment.

The equipment was used to clear fallen trees and debris, assess affected areas from the air and carry out search and rescue operations.

During the deployment, teams carried out rescues from floodwaters and structures, including from a bridge and from a rooftop.

Teams checked and cleared residential buildings, schools and other public buildings to identify and assist people in need of rescue.

Men, women and children were rescued, including people who had been stranded in floodwater for several days.

Teams also delivered water and hundreds of kilograms of food to small, isolated communities that had been cut off by floodwaters and without access to food for up to a week.

Scale of flooding and UK ISAR activity reported

Weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding caused damage to homes and infrastructure, with estimates that up to seven hundred thousand people have been affected.

Some reports estimate that over half of those affected are children, with many hundreds of people trapped by rising floodwaters.

Local and international authorities reported major damage to health facilities and roads, with nearly 5,000 kilometres of roads damaged across nine provinces.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “On behalf of the UK fire and rescue service, our thoughts are firmly with the people of Mozambique as they face the devastating impact of these floods.

“In response to the request for international assistance, specially trained UK ISAR firefighters have been on the ground, bringing vital flood and water rescue expertise to support local responders.

“I want to pay tribute to our teams for their professionalism and commitment, and to the Mozambican authorities and partners who are working tirelessly to protect lives.”

Lee Ivory, UK ISAR Deputy National Coordinator, said: “The team has worked tirelessly throughout the operation to rescue and support as many people as possible.

“Their efforts were closely coordinated with the UK High Commission in Maputo and Mozambican government agencies.

“To date, they have carried out more than 80 life saving boat rescues, conducted extensive damage and needs assessments using drone technology, and delivered significant quantities of humanitarian aid.

“They have also played a role in coordinating wider humanitarian services on the ground.

“None of this would have been possible without the exceptional commitment and professionalism of volunteers from UK fire and rescue services and the medical team who joined them.

“Their dedication has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

The NFCC said the deployment was drawn from 14 UK fire and rescue services, alongside members of the UMT medical team.

Inclusion MoU: What it means for UK fire services

by Featured News

Inclusion partnership set out in new MoU

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out joint working on discrimination and inclusion across fire and rescue services.

The NFCC described the agreement as part of its work on culture, equality and inclusion across the sector.

The MoU sits within the EHRC’s Uniformed Services Programme, which aims to address race and sex-based discrimination, harassment, and victimisation within fire, police, and armed forces.

The agreement sets shared expectations for collaboration and outlines how the EHRC will support NFCC activity linked to culture and inclusion.

Support package and initial commitments for 2026

Based on feedback received from fire and rescue services, the EHRC will deliver a package of support including a webinar series on preventing sexual harassment, a peer-to-peer learning programme and case studies of good practice drawn from within the sector.

The case studies are intended to describe steps taken by some fire and rescue services to proactively protect staff from sexual harassment, in line with the preventative duty of the Worker Protection Act, and with reference the EHRC’s 8-step guide for employers.

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “We’re pleased to announce we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Fire Chiefs Council to improve how discrimination is tackled within fire and rescue services.

“We know there is a lot of work to do across the uniformed services to fully eradicate sexual harassment and racial discrimination.

“And as Britain’s equality regulator, it is our job to ensure these services have the resources and support they need to prevent discrimination and comply with the law.

“This agreement marks a positive step forward and we look forward to continued collaboration with NFCC to help them and all Chief Fire Officers across Great Britain tackle discrimination and cultivate an inclusive workplace for all employees.”

Phil Garrigan, National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, said: “Signing this Memorandum of Understanding with the Equality and Human Rights Commission is another in a series of steps we’ve taken to move from commitment to action on culture, equality, and inclusion across fire and rescue services.

“There is no doubt that the challenge we face as a sector is real.

“This agreement strengthens the good work already taking place across fire and rescue services, supporting continued learning and improvement by working closely with the EHRC to share evidence, insight, and best practice, and to deliver tangible progress.

“At NFCC, we are clear that positive culture, dignity, and respect must sit alongside operational competence and capability as priority in the sector.

“This partnership will support our members to lead by example, amplify the quietest voices, and ensure that fire and rescue services are inclusive, safe places to work that continue to earn the trust and confidence of the public we serve.”

Ongoing collaboration and existing work

Initial commitments in the MoU include NFCC distributing EHRC surveys and event invitations to its networks, and nominating representatives to support EHRC guidance development.

The EHRC will contribute to NFCC Listen and Learn sessions, provide feedback on products including the Culture Dashboard Methodology, and provide expert advice on the Worker Protection Act.

The EHRC has previously responded to NFCC consultations on the Addressing Sexual Harassment Toolkit, Race Equality Toolkit, and VAWG Guidance, and has taken part in NFCC’s Culture and Inclusion Conference and presented findings from its sexual harassment survey to senior leaders at the Council.

NFCC has also taken part in EHRC Equality Exchange events and is represented on EHRC advisory panels linked to guidance and strategy for uniformed services.

The MoU sets out how the two organisations intend to continue working together on culture and inclusion across the fire and rescue sector.

Flood action: NFCC calls for funding-backed duty for England flood rescues

by Featured NewsFlooding

Flood action call after Storm Chandra flooding

Fire chiefs have called for government flood action after Storm Chandra brought flooding, travel disruption and school closures across the UK.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said flood risk in England is rising faster than the legal and funding framework that supports emergency response, leaving fire and rescue services operating without statutory clarity.

Storm Chandra was described as the latest in a series of severe weather events affecting the UK early this year.

NFCC linked the disruption to February anniversaries of major storms including Ciara, Dennis and Jorge in 2020 and Dudley, Eunice and Franklin in 2022, which caused widespread flooding, evacuations and prolonged emergency response activity.

The UK Met Office named Storm Chandra on 26 January 2026.

Funding-backed statutory duty proposed for England flood response

NFCC has called for a public consultation on introducing a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding incidents that pose a risk to life.

The organisation said this would bring England into line with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where statutory duties already exist, while providing clearer expectations for the public and emergency responders.

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “Fire and rescue services in England are already stepping in when floods threaten lives, often in extremely challenging and dangerous conditions.

“But as climate change drives more frequent and severe flooding, it is no longer credible for this life-saving work to sit outside a clear statutory framework.

“England is increasingly exposed to flood risk, yet fire and rescue services are being asked to respond without the legal clarity or funding that exists elsewhere in the UK.

“A public consultation on establishing a statutory duty is an essential first step, but it must be backed by proper investment. If services are expected to respond to life-critical flooding incidents, they need the funding, equipment and training to do so safely and consistently, now and into the future.”

Any new statutory duty would need initial capital investment alongside ongoing funding to ensure services can respond safely and effectively.

Rising flood risk and operational demand

Estimates from the Environment Agency put 6.3 million properties in England at risk of flooding, with projections rising to around 8 million by 2050.

Operational data shows fire and rescue services attended around 14,900 flooding incidents annually in the five years to March 2019, rising to about 18,350 each year in the five years to March 2025, an increase of 23%.

Since 2016/17, overall incident numbers have increased by 9.9%, while flooding incidents have risen by 16.4%.

Fire and rescue services operate alongside local authorities, police and ambulance services during major flooding incidents and have developed specialist water rescue capability, including recent deployment to Mozambique in January 2026 as part of the UK International Search and Rescue team.

England remains the only UK nation without a statutory duty for fire and rescue services to respond to flooding incidents that pose a risk to life, with duties in Scotland in place since 2005, Northern Ireland since 2012 and Wales since 2017.

Mozambique floods trigger UK rescue deployment consequences

by Featured NewsFlooding

Mozambique deployment and operational areas

The UK International Search and Rescue team has been deployed to Mozambique to support flood rescue operations after extreme rainfall and flooding.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said the deployment follows Mozambique’s declaration of a national emergency and a request for international assistance.

An initial forward party of seven flood rescue specialists deployed on Tuesday 20 January to assess conditions and coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian partners.

A further 29 personnel from UK fire and rescue services arrived on Friday 23 January, accompanied by a medical team and four boats.

Teams are due to commence operations in Maputo province and in Xai-Xai, north of the flood area, including efforts to rescue people trapped by floodwater.

Flood impacts and wider regional situation

Weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding have caused widespread damage to infrastructure, with multiple media reports suggesting the death toll has exceeded 100.

Up to 700,000 people are estimated to have been affected, with some reports estimating that over half of those affected are children, and with many hundreds of people trapped by rising floodwaters.

Local and international authorities have reported major damage to health facilities and roads, with nearly 5,000 kilometres of roads damaged across nine provinces.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “The thoughts of the UK fire and rescue service are with all those affected by the devastating flooding in Mozambique and parts of neighbouring South Africa.

“Around the world, communities are increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change and more frequent and severe extreme weather events, which place enormous pressure on local response and rescue capabilities.

“Following a request for international assistance, specially trained firefighters from across the UK are being deployed to support the response on the ground, bringing vital specialist flood and water rescue skills.

“Our teams will work closely with local authorities and international partners to support rescue efforts and help protect lives during these extremely challenging conditions.”

The NFCC said media reports in South Africa have indicated more than 30 deaths in recent flooding, and that Mozambique has declared a red alert while South Africa has announced a national disaster.

Authorities have warned Mozambique is entering its annual cyclone season, with conditions expected to remain challenging in the coming weeks.

The NFCC said the UK previously supported Mozambique during the floods of 2000, when ISAR capabilities were deployed with UK Government support alongside Royal National Lifeboat Institution specialists using inflatable boats and lifesaving equipment.