During a summer fire that destroyed homes in Stourbridge, concerns have been raised about how drought affects the UK’s ability to cope with wildfires. MPs were informed that firefighters struggled for water supplies during this year’s record summer, prompting calls for the government to clarify water companies’ statutory responsibilities during major fire incidents.
Record Summer and Rising Wildfire Incidents
The UK experienced its hottest-ever summer this year, characterized by prolonged dry periods and extreme heat that fueled wildfires across the country. Recent figures indicate a clear upward trend in the number of fires recorded annually. Phil Garrigan, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFFC), reported to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee that fires developed more quickly due to limited water supplies. He noted that concerns about water availability have intensified over his 37 years in the fire service.
During a wildfire in Stourbridge, replenishing a water carrier took nearly 40 minutes due to reduced water pressure. Similarly, in August, the fire service faced significant challenges in maintaining water supply while tackling a separate wildfire in the New Forest.
Challenges in Water Supply
Fire services typically draw water from mains and open sources such as lakes and rivers. However, drought conditions have severely limited access to these sources, and there is pressure to conserve mains water to avoid shortages for paying customers. Dave Swallow, the NFCC’s deputy lead on wildfires, stated:
