Increase in firefighters' calls 'connected to weather'

This spring and summer, Staffordshire firefighters attended roughly 1,000 more emergencies than usual, a rise attributed to prolonged hot and dry conditions. Between April and September, the county's fire and rescue service handled 5,409 calls, up from 4,436 during the same period last year.

The increase was largely driven by a 68.1% rise in secondary fires, which typically involve small grass or outdoor fires not requiring a full-scale response. Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber noted that the growing number of wildfires in the region highlights the reality of climate change.

During the six-month period, the service responded to 1,794 secondary fires, which usually do not endanger people or property. At a public performance meeting, Commissioner Ben Adams questioned senior officers about the operational effects of the higher call volume.

Barber explained that while response times were impacted, firefighters still arrived within standard limits for 79% of incidents, close to the 80% target. The busiest month was August, with over 1,000 incidents, and the average response time rising to 11 minutes 32 seconds, compared to 9 minutes 55 seconds in August 2024.

The surge in incidents also affected finances, with pay projected to exceed the budget by 400,000, though the overall budget remained on track. Barber emphasized that the rise in calls spanned all incident types and was closely linked to the dry conditions, which persisted from February through October. Secondary fires, including grassland, refuse, and derelict building fires, were the most notable increase.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue carried out extensive prevention efforts, such as patrols in fire-prone areas, but conditions still led to a significant number of secondary fires. Barber described this as a clear indication of climate change, which is also increasing demand for flood rescue operations. Road traffic incidents attended by firefighters rose by 19%, from 364 to 433.

Analysis of Increased Emergency Calls in Staffordshire Due to Prolonged Heatwave

The rise in emergency calls faced by Staffordshire firefighters this spring and summer highlights a significant shift in regional fire-related incidents, with clear links to ongoing climate change. Between April and September, there was a notable increase of 1,000 calls compared to the previous year, a surge largely attributed to the exceptionally hot and dry conditions that gripped the county.

With a total of 5,409 calls, up from 4,436 last year, Staffordshire's Fire and Rescue Service encountered a 68.1% rise in secondary fires. These typically small-scale incidents, such as grass or refuse fires, did not require large-scale intervention but still placed a strain on the service. While these fires generally posed no direct threat to people or property, the increased frequency points to the broader environmental impacts of sustained hot weather.

Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber's comments on climate change reflect a broader concern for the growing number of wildfires. This surge in secondary fires is not isolated but is part of a wider pattern of extreme weather events. Staffordshire's firefighters were particularly busy in August, responding to over 1,000 incidents, and the average response time increased by almost 90 seconds compared to the previous year.

While response times remained within acceptable limits for 79% of incidents, the strain on resources has been evident. The projected £400,000 overspend, though within the overall budget, underscores the financial impact of the surge in calls. Additionally, the increase in road traffic incidents by 19% further highlights the strain on emergency services, further linking the changing climate to a rise in both wildfire and flood rescue demands.

Despite extensive prevention measures, including patrols in high-risk areas, the numbers reflect an undeniable trend: as the climate continues to shift, fire and rescue services will face increased pressure to manage not only the volume of incidents but also the financial and operational challenges these events bring.

Sources:

• Spike in calls to firefighters 'linked to weather'

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.