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
🎤 New podcast alert!
In the latest FBU podcast episode, national officer Adam Taylor speaks with Anne Davies, widow of firefighter Jeff Simpson.
Jeff died from cancer in 2018 and became the first UK firefighter whose death was officially recorded as caused by the job.
In the latest FBU podcast episode, national officer Adam Taylor speaks with Anne Davies, widow of firefighter Jeff Simpson.
Jeff died from cancer in 2018 and became the first UK firefighter whose death was officially recorded as caused by the job.
January 23, 2026 at 5:55 PM
🎤 New podcast alert!
In the latest FBU podcast episode, national officer Adam Taylor speaks with Anne Davies, widow of firefighter Jeff Simpson.
Jeff died from cancer in 2018 and became the first UK firefighter whose death was officially recorded as caused by the job.
In the latest FBU podcast episode, national officer Adam Taylor speaks with Anne Davies, widow of firefighter Jeff Simpson.
Jeff died from cancer in 2018 and became the first UK firefighter whose death was officially recorded as caused by the job.
🚨 NEW: Dorset and Wiltshire fire service has announced proposals to close eight stations:
📍Ramsbury
📍Bradford on Avon
📍Wilton
📍Mere
📍Cranborne
📍Hamworthy
📍Maiden Newton
📍Charmouth
The FBU is calling on the fire authority to reject these proposals and put public and firefighter safety first.
📍Ramsbury
📍Bradford on Avon
📍Wilton
📍Mere
📍Cranborne
📍Hamworthy
📍Maiden Newton
📍Charmouth
The FBU is calling on the fire authority to reject these proposals and put public and firefighter safety first.
January 23, 2026 at 1:12 PM
🚨 NEW: Dorset and Wiltshire fire service has announced proposals to close eight stations:
📍Ramsbury
📍Bradford on Avon
📍Wilton
📍Mere
📍Cranborne
📍Hamworthy
📍Maiden Newton
📍Charmouth
The FBU is calling on the fire authority to reject these proposals and put public and firefighter safety first.
📍Ramsbury
📍Bradford on Avon
📍Wilton
📍Mere
📍Cranborne
📍Hamworthy
📍Maiden Newton
📍Charmouth
The FBU is calling on the fire authority to reject these proposals and put public and firefighter safety first.
💧 Almost a third of our water bills are being used to pay dividends and bail private water companies out of debt.
What are we left with? Leaking pipes and polluted rivers.
It's time for water to be brought back into public ownership.
@compassoffice.bsky.social
What are we left with? Leaking pipes and polluted rivers.
It's time for water to be brought back into public ownership.
@compassoffice.bsky.social
January 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM
💧 Almost a third of our water bills are being used to pay dividends and bail private water companies out of debt.
What are we left with? Leaking pipes and polluted rivers.
It's time for water to be brought back into public ownership.
@compassoffice.bsky.social
What are we left with? Leaking pipes and polluted rivers.
It's time for water to be brought back into public ownership.
@compassoffice.bsky.social
💧 The Westminster government's white paper on water has failed to bring water back into public ownership.
Regulations have failed, and shareholders have extracted enormous profits while water bills have rocketed.
Public ownership is the only solution.
Regulations have failed, and shareholders have extracted enormous profits while water bills have rocketed.
Public ownership is the only solution.
January 20, 2026 at 5:18 PM
💧 The Westminster government's white paper on water has failed to bring water back into public ownership.
Regulations have failed, and shareholders have extracted enormous profits while water bills have rocketed.
Public ownership is the only solution.
Regulations have failed, and shareholders have extracted enormous profits while water bills have rocketed.
Public ownership is the only solution.
The FBU is drawing a line in the sand.
No more fake ‘consultations’. No more being ignored by politicians. No more cuts to our safety, jobs, shifts, conditions.
We are preparing a UK-wide campaign, including industrial action.
If you're in the FBU, be there on 11th February.
No more fake ‘consultations’. No more being ignored by politicians. No more cuts to our safety, jobs, shifts, conditions.
We are preparing a UK-wide campaign, including industrial action.
If you're in the FBU, be there on 11th February.
January 20, 2026 at 1:20 PM
The FBU is drawing a line in the sand.
No more fake ‘consultations’. No more being ignored by politicians. No more cuts to our safety, jobs, shifts, conditions.
We are preparing a UK-wide campaign, including industrial action.
If you're in the FBU, be there on 11th February.
No more fake ‘consultations’. No more being ignored by politicians. No more cuts to our safety, jobs, shifts, conditions.
We are preparing a UK-wide campaign, including industrial action.
If you're in the FBU, be there on 11th February.
Reposted by Fire Brigades Union
Good to meet with reps from the @fbunational.bsky.social this afternoon with Labour colleagues.
We remain extremely concerned at proposals to close five fire stations (including Rewley Rd) and remove six fire engines.
The consultation is open until 20 Jan👇
www.fbu.org.uk/campaigns/cu...
We remain extremely concerned at proposals to close five fire stations (including Rewley Rd) and remove six fire engines.
The consultation is open until 20 Jan👇
www.fbu.org.uk/campaigns/cu...
January 17, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Good to meet with reps from the @fbunational.bsky.social this afternoon with Labour colleagues.
We remain extremely concerned at proposals to close five fire stations (including Rewley Rd) and remove six fire engines.
The consultation is open until 20 Jan👇
www.fbu.org.uk/campaigns/cu...
We remain extremely concerned at proposals to close five fire stations (including Rewley Rd) and remove six fire engines.
The consultation is open until 20 Jan👇
www.fbu.org.uk/campaigns/cu...
Today marks 48 years since the end of the 1977 pay strike.
After years of falling real wages and inflation rates as high as 25%, FBU members went on strike for nine weeks.
On 16 January 1978, firefighters settled for a 10% pay rise.
After years of falling real wages and inflation rates as high as 25%, FBU members went on strike for nine weeks.
On 16 January 1978, firefighters settled for a 10% pay rise.
January 16, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Today marks 48 years since the end of the 1977 pay strike.
After years of falling real wages and inflation rates as high as 25%, FBU members went on strike for nine weeks.
On 16 January 1978, firefighters settled for a 10% pay rise.
After years of falling real wages and inflation rates as high as 25%, FBU members went on strike for nine weeks.
On 16 January 1978, firefighters settled for a 10% pay rise.
The FBU are calling for immediate investment in the fire service and 5,000 new firefighters.
Response times are 3.5 minutes slower than in the 1990s. Fire deaths have risen by up to 21%. This is the result of cuts to firefighters, fire engines and stations.
Cuts kill. Let's prevent it.
Response times are 3.5 minutes slower than in the 1990s. Fire deaths have risen by up to 21%. This is the result of cuts to firefighters, fire engines and stations.
Cuts kill. Let's prevent it.
January 15, 2026 at 6:07 PM
The FBU are calling for immediate investment in the fire service and 5,000 new firefighters.
Response times are 3.5 minutes slower than in the 1990s. Fire deaths have risen by up to 21%. This is the result of cuts to firefighters, fire engines and stations.
Cuts kill. Let's prevent it.
Response times are 3.5 minutes slower than in the 1990s. Fire deaths have risen by up to 21%. This is the result of cuts to firefighters, fire engines and stations.
Cuts kill. Let's prevent it.
The Scottish government's latest budget has failed to deliver for firefighters and communities.
Since 2013, 1250 firefighter posts have been axed. Stations across Scotland are crumbling, and many are without toilets or running water.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright responds:
Since 2013, 1250 firefighter posts have been axed. Stations across Scotland are crumbling, and many are without toilets or running water.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright responds:
January 14, 2026 at 1:15 PM
The Scottish government's latest budget has failed to deliver for firefighters and communities.
Since 2013, 1250 firefighter posts have been axed. Stations across Scotland are crumbling, and many are without toilets or running water.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright responds:
Since 2013, 1250 firefighter posts have been axed. Stations across Scotland are crumbling, and many are without toilets or running water.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright responds:
🚨 FBU WIN in Avon and Leicestershire!
FBU members celebrate a huge victory after campaigning against cuts. Central government has allocated...
✅ £3.5m additional funds for Avon
✅ £2m additional funds for Leicestershire
✅ Firefighter posts protected
FBU members celebrate a huge victory after campaigning against cuts. Central government has allocated...
✅ £3.5m additional funds for Avon
✅ £2m additional funds for Leicestershire
✅ Firefighter posts protected
January 12, 2026 at 4:03 PM
🚨 FBU WIN in Avon and Leicestershire!
FBU members celebrate a huge victory after campaigning against cuts. Central government has allocated...
✅ £3.5m additional funds for Avon
✅ £2m additional funds for Leicestershire
✅ Firefighter posts protected
FBU members celebrate a huge victory after campaigning against cuts. Central government has allocated...
✅ £3.5m additional funds for Avon
✅ £2m additional funds for Leicestershire
✅ Firefighter posts protected
FBU general secretary Steve Wright tells LabourList the FBU is preparing for the prospect of industrial action.
The fire service is facing yet more austerity. When you cut firefighters, fire engines and stations, public safety is compromised.
Cuts kill. Let's prevent it.
The fire service is facing yet more austerity. When you cut firefighters, fire engines and stations, public safety is compromised.
Cuts kill. Let's prevent it.
January 12, 2026 at 12:38 PM
FBU general secretary Steve Wright tells LabourList the FBU is preparing for the prospect of industrial action.
The fire service is facing yet more austerity. When you cut firefighters, fire engines and stations, public safety is compromised.
Cuts kill. Let's prevent it.
The fire service is facing yet more austerity. When you cut firefighters, fire engines and stations, public safety is compromised.
Cuts kill. Let's prevent it.
It's down to the people of Venezuela to determine the future of their own country.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright on BBC Politics Live.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright on BBC Politics Live.
January 11, 2026 at 10:01 AM
It's down to the people of Venezuela to determine the future of their own country.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright on BBC Politics Live.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright on BBC Politics Live.
The FBU is demanding that Scotland's finance secretary, Shona Robison, deliver significant investment in the Scottish fire service, including 200 new firefighter posts.
Since 2013, SFRS has seen £84m in real-term cuts - increasing response times and compromising public and firefighter safety.
Since 2013, SFRS has seen £84m in real-term cuts - increasing response times and compromising public and firefighter safety.
January 9, 2026 at 3:53 PM
The FBU is demanding that Scotland's finance secretary, Shona Robison, deliver significant investment in the Scottish fire service, including 200 new firefighter posts.
Since 2013, SFRS has seen £84m in real-term cuts - increasing response times and compromising public and firefighter safety.
Since 2013, SFRS has seen £84m in real-term cuts - increasing response times and compromising public and firefighter safety.
"You don't need to be an expert to know that by abolishing the two-child benefit cap, half a million children will be lifted out of poverty"
FBU general secretary Steve Wright on BBC Politics Live.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright on BBC Politics Live.
January 8, 2026 at 6:01 PM
"You don't need to be an expert to know that by abolishing the two-child benefit cap, half a million children will be lifted out of poverty"
FBU general secretary Steve Wright on BBC Politics Live.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright on BBC Politics Live.
23 years ago today, firefighter Alex Kent lost his life trying to save his brother, Philip Kent, from a fire at his family home while off duty.
After saving his parents, Alex went back into the fire to save his brother, but lost consciousness from the toxic smoke.
After saving his parents, Alex went back into the fire to save his brother, but lost consciousness from the toxic smoke.
January 8, 2026 at 10:48 AM
23 years ago today, firefighter Alex Kent lost his life trying to save his brother, Philip Kent, from a fire at his family home while off duty.
After saving his parents, Alex went back into the fire to save his brother, but lost consciousness from the toxic smoke.
After saving his parents, Alex went back into the fire to save his brother, but lost consciousness from the toxic smoke.
Disbanding a specialist rescue appliance will risk public safety.
This is what Oxfordshire County Council and chief fire officer are proposing to do at Kidlington station.
They're also planning to axe 42 firefighter posts and close five stations.
This is what Oxfordshire County Council and chief fire officer are proposing to do at Kidlington station.
They're also planning to axe 42 firefighter posts and close five stations.
January 7, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Disbanding a specialist rescue appliance will risk public safety.
This is what Oxfordshire County Council and chief fire officer are proposing to do at Kidlington station.
They're also planning to axe 42 firefighter posts and close five stations.
This is what Oxfordshire County Council and chief fire officer are proposing to do at Kidlington station.
They're also planning to axe 42 firefighter posts and close five stations.
Since October, Farage's Reform UK expelled or suspended nine Kent councillors, including the Fire and Rescue Service chair.
For six weeks, Kent fire service had no political leadership, potentially putting lives at risk in a major emergency.
For six weeks, Kent fire service had no political leadership, potentially putting lives at risk in a major emergency.
January 6, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Since October, Farage's Reform UK expelled or suspended nine Kent councillors, including the Fire and Rescue Service chair.
For six weeks, Kent fire service had no political leadership, potentially putting lives at risk in a major emergency.
For six weeks, Kent fire service had no political leadership, potentially putting lives at risk in a major emergency.
April 2024, firefighter Alex Sutherland collapsed at a routine call. His heart flatlined.
For 14 minutes, Grangetown Red Watch firefighters Adam Bell, Andy Spall, and Paul Harforth worked to save their crew leader's life.
After three defibrillator shocks and CPR, Alex's heart started beating again
For 14 minutes, Grangetown Red Watch firefighters Adam Bell, Andy Spall, and Paul Harforth worked to save their crew leader's life.
After three defibrillator shocks and CPR, Alex's heart started beating again
January 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM
April 2024, firefighter Alex Sutherland collapsed at a routine call. His heart flatlined.
For 14 minutes, Grangetown Red Watch firefighters Adam Bell, Andy Spall, and Paul Harforth worked to save their crew leader's life.
After three defibrillator shocks and CPR, Alex's heart started beating again
For 14 minutes, Grangetown Red Watch firefighters Adam Bell, Andy Spall, and Paul Harforth worked to save their crew leader's life.
After three defibrillator shocks and CPR, Alex's heart started beating again
While much of the country is out celebrating, or seeing in the New Year at home, many FBU members are getting ready to go into work.
As we head into 2026, the FBU will stay focused on defending our service, standing up for members, and resisting cuts wherever they appear.
As we head into 2026, the FBU will stay focused on defending our service, standing up for members, and resisting cuts wherever they appear.
January 1, 2026 at 9:01 AM
While much of the country is out celebrating, or seeing in the New Year at home, many FBU members are getting ready to go into work.
As we head into 2026, the FBU will stay focused on defending our service, standing up for members, and resisting cuts wherever they appear.
As we head into 2026, the FBU will stay focused on defending our service, standing up for members, and resisting cuts wherever they appear.
🚨 NEW | Firefighters will fight cuts to the fire service in 2026.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “If necessary, we will take industrial action to stop the further erosion of public safety, and to win the funding and investment we need. Cuts kill. The FBU will fight every single one.”
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “If necessary, we will take industrial action to stop the further erosion of public safety, and to win the funding and investment we need. Cuts kill. The FBU will fight every single one.”
Firefighters threaten nationwide strike over job cuts
With a spending squeeze threatening 42 jobs and five fire stations in Oxfordshire, the Fire Brigades Union is warning that it is ready to strike across the UK
inews.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 12:19 PM
🚨 NEW | Firefighters will fight cuts to the fire service in 2026.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “If necessary, we will take industrial action to stop the further erosion of public safety, and to win the funding and investment we need. Cuts kill. The FBU will fight every single one.”
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “If necessary, we will take industrial action to stop the further erosion of public safety, and to win the funding and investment we need. Cuts kill. The FBU will fight every single one.”
New year resolution to get organised in 2026? Make life easier and stay on track with the FBU calendar, available on our online shop 👇
December 31, 2025 at 10:01 AM
New year resolution to get organised in 2026? Make life easier and stay on track with the FBU calendar, available on our online shop 👇
Jeff Simpson died from cancer in 2018 and became the first UK firefighter to have his death officially recorded as caused by the job.
Jeff never smoked, but after decades of exposure to toxic smoke and contaminants, he developed a rare cancer.
Now his wife Anne is fighting for a legal precedent.
Jeff never smoked, but after decades of exposure to toxic smoke and contaminants, he developed a rare cancer.
Now his wife Anne is fighting for a legal precedent.
December 29, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Jeff Simpson died from cancer in 2018 and became the first UK firefighter to have his death officially recorded as caused by the job.
Jeff never smoked, but after decades of exposure to toxic smoke and contaminants, he developed a rare cancer.
Now his wife Anne is fighting for a legal precedent.
Jeff never smoked, but after decades of exposure to toxic smoke and contaminants, he developed a rare cancer.
Now his wife Anne is fighting for a legal precedent.
Firefighters are proud of the work they do to protect our communities.
In 2026, FBU members will stand firm in the fight against cuts to the fire service.
In 2026, FBU members will stand firm in the fight against cuts to the fire service.
December 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Firefighters are proud of the work they do to protect our communities.
In 2026, FBU members will stand firm in the fight against cuts to the fire service.
In 2026, FBU members will stand firm in the fight against cuts to the fire service.
Start the New Year the right way - get organised with the 2026 FBU calendar 🚒🗓️
Grab your copy from the FBU shop below 👇
Grab your copy from the FBU shop below 👇
December 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Start the New Year the right way - get organised with the 2026 FBU calendar 🚒🗓️
Grab your copy from the FBU shop below 👇
Grab your copy from the FBU shop below 👇
In 1977 firefighters were spending the festive period on picket lines during the first ever national FBU strike.
As families gathered to celebrate, 30,000 firefighters stood firm to fight for a living wage. With inflation at 16%, firefighters were forced to claim benefits despite working full-time.
As families gathered to celebrate, 30,000 firefighters stood firm to fight for a living wage. With inflation at 16%, firefighters were forced to claim benefits despite working full-time.
December 26, 2025 at 2:01 PM
In 1977 firefighters were spending the festive period on picket lines during the first ever national FBU strike.
As families gathered to celebrate, 30,000 firefighters stood firm to fight for a living wage. With inflation at 16%, firefighters were forced to claim benefits despite working full-time.
As families gathered to celebrate, 30,000 firefighters stood firm to fight for a living wage. With inflation at 16%, firefighters were forced to claim benefits despite working full-time.