Fire Brigades Union
@fbunational.bsky.social
We are the voice of firefighters and the fire and rescue service in the UK.
Promoted by the Fire Brigades Union, 171-173 Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8UE
Promoted by the Fire Brigades Union, 171-173 Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8UE
Firefighters are on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing a surge in wildfires and flooding. By June 3 this year, 99 wildfires had burned over 33,000 hectares of land.
The fire service needs urgent investment to respond to climate emergencies.
The fire service needs urgent investment to respond to climate emergencies.
November 11, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Firefighters are on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing a surge in wildfires and flooding. By June 3 this year, 99 wildfires had burned over 33,000 hectares of land.
The fire service needs urgent investment to respond to climate emergencies.
The fire service needs urgent investment to respond to climate emergencies.
Reform UK Kent council leader has been branded "Captain Chaos" after suspending nine councillors including five members of the fire authority.
The removal of fire authority members means that Kent FRS Chief Executive is unable to sign off on big spends.
"Captain Chaos" is threatening public safety
The removal of fire authority members means that Kent FRS Chief Executive is unable to sign off on big spends.
"Captain Chaos" is threatening public safety
November 10, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reform UK Kent council leader has been branded "Captain Chaos" after suspending nine councillors including five members of the fire authority.
The removal of fire authority members means that Kent FRS Chief Executive is unable to sign off on big spends.
"Captain Chaos" is threatening public safety
The removal of fire authority members means that Kent FRS Chief Executive is unable to sign off on big spends.
"Captain Chaos" is threatening public safety
Up to 30 fire engines are unavailable each day across London due to cuts to crews.
This includes specialist fire rescue units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise rescue.
LFB is now proposing a further £6m in cuts and £12m unidentified "savings".
This includes specialist fire rescue units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise rescue.
LFB is now proposing a further £6m in cuts and £12m unidentified "savings".
November 7, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Up to 30 fire engines are unavailable each day across London due to cuts to crews.
This includes specialist fire rescue units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise rescue.
LFB is now proposing a further £6m in cuts and £12m unidentified "savings".
This includes specialist fire rescue units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise rescue.
LFB is now proposing a further £6m in cuts and £12m unidentified "savings".
Once again, firefighters faced attacks on bonfire night. Last night, a crew of firefighters in Merseyside were attacked with fireworks while fighting a tower block fire.
The London fire brigade reported 821 calls yesterday - the highest number of bonfire night calls since 2016.
The London fire brigade reported 821 calls yesterday - the highest number of bonfire night calls since 2016.
November 6, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Once again, firefighters faced attacks on bonfire night. Last night, a crew of firefighters in Merseyside were attacked with fireworks while fighting a tower block fire.
The London fire brigade reported 821 calls yesterday - the highest number of bonfire night calls since 2016.
The London fire brigade reported 821 calls yesterday - the highest number of bonfire night calls since 2016.
The multi-millionaire deputy leader of Reform wants to raid the pensions of firefighters and other workers.
Scrapping defined benefit pensions would be an attack on all workers. The FBU will resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
Scrapping defined benefit pensions would be an attack on all workers. The FBU will resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
November 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The multi-millionaire deputy leader of Reform wants to raid the pensions of firefighters and other workers.
Scrapping defined benefit pensions would be an attack on all workers. The FBU will resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
Scrapping defined benefit pensions would be an attack on all workers. The FBU will resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
Bonfire night is one of the busiest shifts of the year for firefighters.
But the fire service is facing it without adequate resources. Despite a rising number of fires, year-on-year cuts have left us with one in five fewer firefighters.
We need to see serious investment and an end to cuts.
But the fire service is facing it without adequate resources. Despite a rising number of fires, year-on-year cuts have left us with one in five fewer firefighters.
We need to see serious investment and an end to cuts.
November 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Bonfire night is one of the busiest shifts of the year for firefighters.
But the fire service is facing it without adequate resources. Despite a rising number of fires, year-on-year cuts have left us with one in five fewer firefighters.
We need to see serious investment and an end to cuts.
But the fire service is facing it without adequate resources. Despite a rising number of fires, year-on-year cuts have left us with one in five fewer firefighters.
We need to see serious investment and an end to cuts.
Firefighters face one of the busiest nights of the year without adequate recourses.
Latest figures show outdoor fires have risen by 52% since last year.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright says "After another round funding cuts, firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever"
Latest figures show outdoor fires have risen by 52% since last year.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright says "After another round funding cuts, firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever"
November 5, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Firefighters face one of the busiest nights of the year without adequate recourses.
Latest figures show outdoor fires have risen by 52% since last year.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright says "After another round funding cuts, firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever"
Latest figures show outdoor fires have risen by 52% since last year.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright says "After another round funding cuts, firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever"
Firefighters submit striking photographs to the FBU photo competition each year.
🏆Congratulations to Paul Young for winning this year's 1st prize!
His photo captures firefighters of Suffolk Fire and Rescue during power boat training on the River Deben.
🏆Congratulations to Paul Young for winning this year's 1st prize!
His photo captures firefighters of Suffolk Fire and Rescue during power boat training on the River Deben.
November 4, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Firefighters submit striking photographs to the FBU photo competition each year.
🏆Congratulations to Paul Young for winning this year's 1st prize!
His photo captures firefighters of Suffolk Fire and Rescue during power boat training on the River Deben.
🏆Congratulations to Paul Young for winning this year's 1st prize!
His photo captures firefighters of Suffolk Fire and Rescue during power boat training on the River Deben.
🚨 Avon fire service is proposing to cut up to 72 firefighter posts due to a £2M deficit, risking station closures and fewer fire engines.
Avon have already lost 252 firefighters since 2010.
These cuts will put lives at risk. The fire authority must secure funding from central government.
Avon have already lost 252 firefighters since 2010.
These cuts will put lives at risk. The fire authority must secure funding from central government.
November 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
🚨 Avon fire service is proposing to cut up to 72 firefighter posts due to a £2M deficit, risking station closures and fewer fire engines.
Avon have already lost 252 firefighters since 2010.
These cuts will put lives at risk. The fire authority must secure funding from central government.
Avon have already lost 252 firefighters since 2010.
These cuts will put lives at risk. The fire authority must secure funding from central government.
#WeRemember four firefighters who lost their lives at the Atherstone Warehouse fire 18 years ago, yesterday.
Ian Reid, John Averis, Ashley Stephens and Darren Yates-Badley were sent into the fire after the site had been evacuated. The incident exposed operational failings and gross negligence.
Ian Reid, John Averis, Ashley Stephens and Darren Yates-Badley were sent into the fire after the site had been evacuated. The incident exposed operational failings and gross negligence.
November 3, 2025 at 12:45 PM
#WeRemember four firefighters who lost their lives at the Atherstone Warehouse fire 18 years ago, yesterday.
Ian Reid, John Averis, Ashley Stephens and Darren Yates-Badley were sent into the fire after the site had been evacuated. The incident exposed operational failings and gross negligence.
Ian Reid, John Averis, Ashley Stephens and Darren Yates-Badley were sent into the fire after the site had been evacuated. The incident exposed operational failings and gross negligence.
This week, FBU B&EMM came together to share experiences and strengthen their support network.
They discussed distinct challenges facing Black and minoritised women, from systemic barriers in the fire service to health and safety issues.
They discussed distinct challenges facing Black and minoritised women, from systemic barriers in the fire service to health and safety issues.
November 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM
This week, FBU B&EMM came together to share experiences and strengthen their support network.
They discussed distinct challenges facing Black and minoritised women, from systemic barriers in the fire service to health and safety issues.
They discussed distinct challenges facing Black and minoritised women, from systemic barriers in the fire service to health and safety issues.
The FBU sends solidarity to everyone in Jamaica who has been affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The FBU B&EMM section and FBU general secretary Steve Wright have issued this statement.
The FBU B&EMM section and FBU general secretary Steve Wright have issued this statement.
October 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The FBU sends solidarity to everyone in Jamaica who has been affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The FBU B&EMM section and FBU general secretary Steve Wright have issued this statement.
The FBU B&EMM section and FBU general secretary Steve Wright have issued this statement.
Today, B&EMM members took a moment to remember firefighter and activist Leila Asoko.
Leila sadly lost her battle with cancer in November 2021. Leila's family joined members at her memorial bench on Wortley Hall grounds to share words in remembrance.
#WeRemember Leila Asoko
Leila sadly lost her battle with cancer in November 2021. Leila's family joined members at her memorial bench on Wortley Hall grounds to share words in remembrance.
#WeRemember Leila Asoko
October 31, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Today, B&EMM members took a moment to remember firefighter and activist Leila Asoko.
Leila sadly lost her battle with cancer in November 2021. Leila's family joined members at her memorial bench on Wortley Hall grounds to share words in remembrance.
#WeRemember Leila Asoko
Leila sadly lost her battle with cancer in November 2021. Leila's family joined members at her memorial bench on Wortley Hall grounds to share words in remembrance.
#WeRemember Leila Asoko
FBU B&EMM school is back!
Over three days, members are learning new ways to challenge racism in our union and the fire service.
Today, Wilf Sullivan and AJ Singh spoke about the importance of Black trade unionists' contributions in the past and applying these lessons today.
Over three days, members are learning new ways to challenge racism in our union and the fire service.
Today, Wilf Sullivan and AJ Singh spoke about the importance of Black trade unionists' contributions in the past and applying these lessons today.
October 29, 2025 at 6:40 PM
FBU B&EMM school is back!
Over three days, members are learning new ways to challenge racism in our union and the fire service.
Today, Wilf Sullivan and AJ Singh spoke about the importance of Black trade unionists' contributions in the past and applying these lessons today.
Over three days, members are learning new ways to challenge racism in our union and the fire service.
Today, Wilf Sullivan and AJ Singh spoke about the importance of Black trade unionists' contributions in the past and applying these lessons today.
🚨 Labour must not buckle under pressure from big business to water down the Employment Rights Bill. Any diluting of the bill would be a betrayal to working people.
October 27, 2025 at 12:10 PM
🚨 Labour must not buckle under pressure from big business to water down the Employment Rights Bill. Any diluting of the bill would be a betrayal to working people.
Oxfordshire fire service is proposing to close Henley, Eynsham & Woodstock fire stations and remove fire engines from Rowley Road & Thame.
Restricting stations to night-time only cover will make recruitment & retention even harder - putting firefighters and communities at risk.
Restricting stations to night-time only cover will make recruitment & retention even harder - putting firefighters and communities at risk.
October 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Oxfordshire fire service is proposing to close Henley, Eynsham & Woodstock fire stations and remove fire engines from Rowley Road & Thame.
Restricting stations to night-time only cover will make recruitment & retention even harder - putting firefighters and communities at risk.
Restricting stations to night-time only cover will make recruitment & retention even harder - putting firefighters and communities at risk.
Avon FRS plans to cut up to 72 firefighter roles to address a £2m budget deficit.
These cuts will lead to slower response times and reduced resilience, putting public and firefighter safety at risk.
The fire authority should be lobbying for investment - not planning more cuts.
These cuts will lead to slower response times and reduced resilience, putting public and firefighter safety at risk.
The fire authority should be lobbying for investment - not planning more cuts.
October 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Avon FRS plans to cut up to 72 firefighter roles to address a £2m budget deficit.
These cuts will lead to slower response times and reduced resilience, putting public and firefighter safety at risk.
The fire authority should be lobbying for investment - not planning more cuts.
These cuts will lead to slower response times and reduced resilience, putting public and firefighter safety at risk.
The fire authority should be lobbying for investment - not planning more cuts.
🚨 Five fire engines were ferried from Hampshire to tackle a hotel fire on the Isle of Wight on Saturday. The slow and scrambled response exposed how dangerously understaffed the service has become.
October 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM
🚨 Five fire engines were ferried from Hampshire to tackle a hotel fire on the Isle of Wight on Saturday. The slow and scrambled response exposed how dangerously understaffed the service has become.
In 1954, the FBU was the only union with a TUC resolution on Britain's colonial policy, demanding higher living standards, full trade union rights, and abolition of the colour bar.
By 1955, FBU delegates announced that the London County Council had agreed not to uphold a colour bar in the LFB.
By 1955, FBU delegates announced that the London County Council had agreed not to uphold a colour bar in the LFB.
October 22, 2025 at 3:06 PM
In 1954, the FBU was the only union with a TUC resolution on Britain's colonial policy, demanding higher living standards, full trade union rights, and abolition of the colour bar.
By 1955, FBU delegates announced that the London County Council had agreed not to uphold a colour bar in the LFB.
By 1955, FBU delegates announced that the London County Council had agreed not to uphold a colour bar in the LFB.
🚒 Firefighters wear red today to show racism the red card🟥
FBU members stand in solidarity to oppose division and racism, not just today but every day.
#WearRedDay
FBU members stand in solidarity to oppose division and racism, not just today but every day.
#WearRedDay
October 17, 2025 at 12:20 PM
🚒 Firefighters wear red today to show racism the red card🟥
FBU members stand in solidarity to oppose division and racism, not just today but every day.
#WearRedDay
FBU members stand in solidarity to oppose division and racism, not just today but every day.
#WearRedDay
In the 90s, amid pervasive racism in the UK and the rise of the BNP, Black and ethnic minority firefighters faced systematic harassment within the fire service.
In 97', FBU members formed the Black Advisory Group—now the B&EMM section—to challenge this culture and support each other.
In 97', FBU members formed the Black Advisory Group—now the B&EMM section—to challenge this culture and support each other.
October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM
In the 90s, amid pervasive racism in the UK and the rise of the BNP, Black and ethnic minority firefighters faced systematic harassment within the fire service.
In 97', FBU members formed the Black Advisory Group—now the B&EMM section—to challenge this culture and support each other.
In 97', FBU members formed the Black Advisory Group—now the B&EMM section—to challenge this culture and support each other.
FBU Black and ethnic minority members organised their first 'Black members' meeting', now known as B&EMM school, in 1996.
Members discussed the culture of racism within the service, forming a support network and laying the groundwork for change.
#BHM
Members discussed the culture of racism within the service, forming a support network and laying the groundwork for change.
#BHM
October 14, 2025 at 1:35 PM
FBU Black and ethnic minority members organised their first 'Black members' meeting', now known as B&EMM school, in 1996.
Members discussed the culture of racism within the service, forming a support network and laying the groundwork for change.
#BHM
Members discussed the culture of racism within the service, forming a support network and laying the groundwork for change.
#BHM
On this day in 1984, firefighters responded to the Brighton bombing at the Grand Hotel, and were applauded for their bravery and professionalism.
The severity and scale of the event didn't stop the then home secretary from announcing cuts to the service just weeks later.
The severity and scale of the event didn't stop the then home secretary from announcing cuts to the service just weeks later.
October 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
On this day in 1984, firefighters responded to the Brighton bombing at the Grand Hotel, and were applauded for their bravery and professionalism.
The severity and scale of the event didn't stop the then home secretary from announcing cuts to the service just weeks later.
The severity and scale of the event didn't stop the then home secretary from announcing cuts to the service just weeks later.
In parts of Scotland, first fire appliances are taking 50 minutes to arrive at incidents, while fire deaths have surged by as much as 450% in Ayrshire.
This is the cost of sustained underfunding.
🎙️FBU executive council member for Scotland, Colin Brown, on the FBU podcast
This is the cost of sustained underfunding.
🎙️FBU executive council member for Scotland, Colin Brown, on the FBU podcast
October 8, 2025 at 11:59 AM
In parts of Scotland, first fire appliances are taking 50 minutes to arrive at incidents, while fire deaths have surged by as much as 450% in Ayrshire.
This is the cost of sustained underfunding.
🎙️FBU executive council member for Scotland, Colin Brown, on the FBU podcast
This is the cost of sustained underfunding.
🎙️FBU executive council member for Scotland, Colin Brown, on the FBU podcast
🚒What's new in your fire service?
We want to hear what you think of any developments - the good or the bad - to training, equipment, tech and more for Firefighter magazine.
Email your thoughts to firefighter@fbu.org.uk 📨
We want to hear what you think of any developments - the good or the bad - to training, equipment, tech and more for Firefighter magazine.
Email your thoughts to firefighter@fbu.org.uk 📨
October 4, 2025 at 9:01 AM
🚒What's new in your fire service?
We want to hear what you think of any developments - the good or the bad - to training, equipment, tech and more for Firefighter magazine.
Email your thoughts to firefighter@fbu.org.uk 📨
We want to hear what you think of any developments - the good or the bad - to training, equipment, tech and more for Firefighter magazine.
Email your thoughts to firefighter@fbu.org.uk 📨