As the UK braces for Storm Lilian, fire chiefs are urging for increased support and statutory measures to handle extreme weather events effectively.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is calling on ministers to implement a legal duty in England to ensure fire services are equipped, trained, and funded adequately to tackle severe weather incidents.
This move aims to bring England’s response capabilities in line with other UK regions, addressing concerns over varying safety standards during emergencies.
Storm Lilian is set to impact the UK over the bank holiday weekend with heavy rain and gusts reaching up to 80mph. Meteorologists predict significant travel disruptions, potential flooding, power outages, and hazardous coastal conditions.
NFCC calls for a statutory duty to improve fire service response to severe weather.South-west Scotland and Aberdeenshire are under yellow weather warnings for rain and wind, with 20-30mm of rainfall expected, and possibly up to 50mm on higher ground. Thunder is also a possibility.
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon advised residents to secure loose items around their homes, check travel plans, and prepare for potential power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, and power packs.
Lilian will be the 12th named storm of the season, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather due to climate change. The UK Health Security Agency estimates that more than 6 million people are currently at high risk of flooding, a number projected to rise significantly by 2050.
NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham stressed the importance of having a coordinated approach to disaster response, citing recent events like the wildfires in Greece and Storm Babet, which resulted in substantial damage and loss of life.
He emphasized the need for a statutory duty to address flooding and inland water incidents, arguing that it would improve preparedness and safety standards nationwide.
As temperatures will remain slightly below average, reaching highs of 21°C to 23°C, festival-goers at Reading and Leeds may experience less severe conditions. However, the urgency for a robust response to extreme weather remains clear.