Skip to main content
Tory cuts responsible for increased fire deaths, firefighters warn
12,000 frontline firefighter jobs have been cut since the Tories came to power in 2010
Firefighters put out a blaze

FIREFIGHTERS are warning that homes are at far higher risk than before because of budget cuts.

Speaking to the Star, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Matt Wrack said today: “We simply do not have enough firefighters left to keep people safe. The service has been cut to ribbons.

“Fire deaths have increased, as has the amount of time it takes fire crews to respond to an emergency.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
CLIMATE CHANGE: Firefighters tackle a wildfire on Saddleworth Moor, Greater Manchester, June 2018
TUC Congress 2025 / 8 September 2025
8 September 2025

Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs has disappeared alongside 30% funding cuts — all while climate breakdown brings record blazes and flooding. It’s time to fund our fire service properly, writes FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT