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
🚨 The fire service is in crisis after years of underfunding.
Plans for further cuts threaten services in Oxfordshire, Scotland, Dorset and Wiltshire, and Buckinghamshire.
FBU members have had enough with sham consultations while firefighter jobs are axed and safety is compromised.
Plans for further cuts threaten services in Oxfordshire, Scotland, Dorset and Wiltshire, and Buckinghamshire.
FBU members have had enough with sham consultations while firefighter jobs are axed and safety is compromised.
February 6, 2026 at 2:10 PM
🚨 The fire service is in crisis after years of underfunding.
Plans for further cuts threaten services in Oxfordshire, Scotland, Dorset and Wiltshire, and Buckinghamshire.
FBU members have had enough with sham consultations while firefighter jobs are axed and safety is compromised.
Plans for further cuts threaten services in Oxfordshire, Scotland, Dorset and Wiltshire, and Buckinghamshire.
FBU members have had enough with sham consultations while firefighter jobs are axed and safety is compromised.
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell addressed the executive council yesterday.
A strong relationship between the party and trade unions is essential to delivering real benefits and opportunities for FBU members.
A strong relationship between the party and trade unions is essential to delivering real benefits and opportunities for FBU members.
February 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell addressed the executive council yesterday.
A strong relationship between the party and trade unions is essential to delivering real benefits and opportunities for FBU members.
A strong relationship between the party and trade unions is essential to delivering real benefits and opportunities for FBU members.
Fleur Lombard was 21 years old when she died in the line of duty on 4th February 1996.
Today marks 30 years since her death, and a red plaque was unveiled in her honour at Kingswood fire station.
The tragedy shone a light on the need for women's PPE, an issue the FBU continues to campaign on.
Today marks 30 years since her death, and a red plaque was unveiled in her honour at Kingswood fire station.
The tragedy shone a light on the need for women's PPE, an issue the FBU continues to campaign on.
February 4, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Fleur Lombard was 21 years old when she died in the line of duty on 4th February 1996.
Today marks 30 years since her death, and a red plaque was unveiled in her honour at Kingswood fire station.
The tragedy shone a light on the need for women's PPE, an issue the FBU continues to campaign on.
Today marks 30 years since her death, and a red plaque was unveiled in her honour at Kingswood fire station.
The tragedy shone a light on the need for women's PPE, an issue the FBU continues to campaign on.
In this FBU podcast, national officer Adam Taylor speaks with Anne Davies, the widow of firefighter Jeff Simpson.
Anne is fighting for a legal precedent that could see firefighters accessing regular health monitoring and compensation for occupational diseases.
Listen now 👇
Anne is fighting for a legal precedent that could see firefighters accessing regular health monitoring and compensation for occupational diseases.
Listen now 👇
February 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM
In this FBU podcast, national officer Adam Taylor speaks with Anne Davies, the widow of firefighter Jeff Simpson.
Anne is fighting for a legal precedent that could see firefighters accessing regular health monitoring and compensation for occupational diseases.
Listen now 👇
Anne is fighting for a legal precedent that could see firefighters accessing regular health monitoring and compensation for occupational diseases.
Listen now 👇
On this day, #WeRemember three firefighters.
In 2005, Jeff Wornham and Michael Miller tragically lost their lives at the Harrow Court fire in Stevenage trying to save the life of Nathalie Close.
In 1992, Malcom Kirton died in the line of duty attending a fire at a carpet store in Lincolnshire.
In 2005, Jeff Wornham and Michael Miller tragically lost their lives at the Harrow Court fire in Stevenage trying to save the life of Nathalie Close.
In 1992, Malcom Kirton died in the line of duty attending a fire at a carpet store in Lincolnshire.
February 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM
On this day, #WeRemember three firefighters.
In 2005, Jeff Wornham and Michael Miller tragically lost their lives at the Harrow Court fire in Stevenage trying to save the life of Nathalie Close.
In 1992, Malcom Kirton died in the line of duty attending a fire at a carpet store in Lincolnshire.
In 2005, Jeff Wornham and Michael Miller tragically lost their lives at the Harrow Court fire in Stevenage trying to save the life of Nathalie Close.
In 1992, Malcom Kirton died in the line of duty attending a fire at a carpet store in Lincolnshire.
30 years ago today, firefighters Kevin Lane and Stephen Griffin rescued 5-year-old Daniel Harford from a smoke filled house in Blaina.
They re-entered the property, wrongly believing another child was inside, and were caught in a backdraught that engulfed the house in flames.
They re-entered the property, wrongly believing another child was inside, and were caught in a backdraught that engulfed the house in flames.
February 1, 2026 at 2:10 PM
30 years ago today, firefighters Kevin Lane and Stephen Griffin rescued 5-year-old Daniel Harford from a smoke filled house in Blaina.
They re-entered the property, wrongly believing another child was inside, and were caught in a backdraught that engulfed the house in flames.
They re-entered the property, wrongly believing another child was inside, and were caught in a backdraught that engulfed the house in flames.
Firefighters cannot protect the public properly if they are not given the tools and support to do so.
Seconds cost lives – and cutting frontline capacity is a choice to make our communities less safe.
If you're in the FBU, be there on 11th February.
Seconds cost lives – and cutting frontline capacity is a choice to make our communities less safe.
If you're in the FBU, be there on 11th February.
January 29, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Firefighters cannot protect the public properly if they are not given the tools and support to do so.
Seconds cost lives – and cutting frontline capacity is a choice to make our communities less safe.
If you're in the FBU, be there on 11th February.
Seconds cost lives – and cutting frontline capacity is a choice to make our communities less safe.
If you're in the FBU, be there on 11th February.
Dorset and Wiltshire fire service plans to cut eight on-call stations and 96 firefighter posts.
This comes less than a year after the Holt Heath wildfire, which called in crews from as far as Merseyside to respond.
Axing posts and closing stations puts lives and homes at risk.
This comes less than a year after the Holt Heath wildfire, which called in crews from as far as Merseyside to respond.
Axing posts and closing stations puts lives and homes at risk.
January 27, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Dorset and Wiltshire fire service plans to cut eight on-call stations and 96 firefighter posts.
This comes less than a year after the Holt Heath wildfire, which called in crews from as far as Merseyside to respond.
Axing posts and closing stations puts lives and homes at risk.
This comes less than a year after the Holt Heath wildfire, which called in crews from as far as Merseyside to respond.
Axing posts and closing stations puts lives and homes at risk.
Over 500 firefighters and residents have signed the petition calling for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority to stop plans for cuts.
Proposals to remove seven fire engines and close two stations will increase response times and put firefighter and public safety at risk.
Proposals to remove seven fire engines and close two stations will increase response times and put firefighter and public safety at risk.
January 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Over 500 firefighters and residents have signed the petition calling for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority to stop plans for cuts.
Proposals to remove seven fire engines and close two stations will increase response times and put firefighter and public safety at risk.
Proposals to remove seven fire engines and close two stations will increase response times and put firefighter and public safety at risk.
46 years ago today, leading firefighter Stephen Maynard lost his life fighting a ship fire at Limehouse Basin.
Budget cuts had moved specialist foam units from East Ham to Barking and closed another in Shoreditch entirely. Cuts were made to fund firefighters' new 42-hour week.
#WeRemember
Budget cuts had moved specialist foam units from East Ham to Barking and closed another in Shoreditch entirely. Cuts were made to fund firefighters' new 42-hour week.
#WeRemember
January 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM
46 years ago today, leading firefighter Stephen Maynard lost his life fighting a ship fire at Limehouse Basin.
Budget cuts had moved specialist foam units from East Ham to Barking and closed another in Shoreditch entirely. Cuts were made to fund firefighters' new 42-hour week.
#WeRemember
Budget cuts had moved specialist foam units from East Ham to Barking and closed another in Shoreditch entirely. Cuts were made to fund firefighters' new 42-hour week.
#WeRemember
🎤 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.
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.
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.