THE Fire Brigades Union called for urgent investment in services to protect the public today, two years after wildfires swept Britain during its hottest day on record.

On July 19 2022, temperatures in Britain hit 40.2°C as wildfires broke out across England.

The London Fire Brigades had its busiest day since the second world war, with 1,198 mobilisations and 500 residents evacuated.

The service ran out of fire crews, leaving 39 appliances idle.

After being elected in 2010 with the help of the Lib Dems, the Tories axed one in five firefighters’ jobs and cut service funding by 30 per cent.

The impact is still being felt, with some fire authorities attempting to cut crew numbers — a move firefighters are resisting.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Firefighters know first hand that the climate emergency is real and getting worse.

“Wildfires, flooding and heat are a growing threat to lives, homes and communities.

“But in recent years, austerity has robbed the fire and rescue service of the resources it needs to respond effectively.

“One in five firefighter jobs has been lost, hundreds of fire engines have been axed and dozens of fire stations closed.

“It is welcome that Labour has committed to introducing national standards to address fragmentation. But the new government must urgently invest in the fire service to protect public safety.”

The FBU call came as parts of England were issued with a yellow weather warning this week, with temperatures over 30°C.