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
Today #WeRemember Lexi Wylie and Leonard McCartney, who lost their lives in the line of duty at the Melville Hotel fire, 21 November 1971.
A red plaque was unveiled in their honour at the site of the incident in 2022.
A red plaque was unveiled in their honour at the site of the incident in 2022.
November 21, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Today #WeRemember Lexi Wylie and Leonard McCartney, who lost their lives in the line of duty at the Melville Hotel fire, 21 November 1971.
A red plaque was unveiled in their honour at the site of the incident in 2022.
A red plaque was unveiled in their honour at the site of the incident in 2022.
This is one of the richest countries on earth. There shouldn't be any hungry kids in Britain.
And you shouldn't go to bed at night wondering if a fire engine could get to you in time.
When Rachel Reeves delivers her budget next week, we will be watching.
And you shouldn't go to bed at night wondering if a fire engine could get to you in time.
When Rachel Reeves delivers her budget next week, we will be watching.
November 19, 2025 at 3:52 PM
This is one of the richest countries on earth. There shouldn't be any hungry kids in Britain.
And you shouldn't go to bed at night wondering if a fire engine could get to you in time.
When Rachel Reeves delivers her budget next week, we will be watching.
And you shouldn't go to bed at night wondering if a fire engine could get to you in time.
When Rachel Reeves delivers her budget next week, we will be watching.
🎙️ New podcast alert!
FBU national officer Tam McFarlane speaks with general secretary Steve Wright, EC member Joe Weir, and brigade officials in a brand new monthly show.
This months Red Notice includes updates on cuts in Buckinghamshire, Avon and Oxfordshire.
🧵 Available on all podcast platforms
FBU national officer Tam McFarlane speaks with general secretary Steve Wright, EC member Joe Weir, and brigade officials in a brand new monthly show.
This months Red Notice includes updates on cuts in Buckinghamshire, Avon and Oxfordshire.
🧵 Available on all podcast platforms
November 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
🎙️ New podcast alert!
FBU national officer Tam McFarlane speaks with general secretary Steve Wright, EC member Joe Weir, and brigade officials in a brand new monthly show.
This months Red Notice includes updates on cuts in Buckinghamshire, Avon and Oxfordshire.
🧵 Available on all podcast platforms
FBU national officer Tam McFarlane speaks with general secretary Steve Wright, EC member Joe Weir, and brigade officials in a brand new monthly show.
This months Red Notice includes updates on cuts in Buckinghamshire, Avon and Oxfordshire.
🧵 Available on all podcast platforms
Today marks 38 years since the Kings Cross fire, which tragically killed 31 people including station officer Colin Townsley.
The blaze, caused by a discarded match, escalated quickly and over 150 firefighters responded.
Townsley was attempting a rescue when he became trapped in a flashover.
The blaze, caused by a discarded match, escalated quickly and over 150 firefighters responded.
Townsley was attempting a rescue when he became trapped in a flashover.
November 18, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Today marks 38 years since the Kings Cross fire, which tragically killed 31 people including station officer Colin Townsley.
The blaze, caused by a discarded match, escalated quickly and over 150 firefighters responded.
Townsley was attempting a rescue when he became trapped in a flashover.
The blaze, caused by a discarded match, escalated quickly and over 150 firefighters responded.
Townsley was attempting a rescue when he became trapped in a flashover.
Solidarity with striking UNISON Phlebotomists ✊
FBU national officer Tam McFarlane brought the solidarity of the FBU to their rally in Gloucester today, marking 236 days of strike action - the longest-ever walkout by NHS employees.
FBU national officer Tam McFarlane brought the solidarity of the FBU to their rally in Gloucester today, marking 236 days of strike action - the longest-ever walkout by NHS employees.
November 17, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Solidarity with striking UNISON Phlebotomists ✊
FBU national officer Tam McFarlane brought the solidarity of the FBU to their rally in Gloucester today, marking 236 days of strike action - the longest-ever walkout by NHS employees.
FBU national officer Tam McFarlane brought the solidarity of the FBU to their rally in Gloucester today, marking 236 days of strike action - the longest-ever walkout by NHS employees.
🚨 NEW | Firefighters have been stretched to the limit, working through the night to deal with the aftermath of Storm Claudia.
But cuts have made their job much harde. A statement from FBU general secretary Steve Wright:
Full story here: www.fbu.org.uk/news/2025/11...
But cuts have made their job much harde. A statement from FBU general secretary Steve Wright:
Full story here: www.fbu.org.uk/news/2025/11...
November 16, 2025 at 8:40 AM
🚨 NEW | Firefighters have been stretched to the limit, working through the night to deal with the aftermath of Storm Claudia.
But cuts have made their job much harde. A statement from FBU general secretary Steve Wright:
Full story here: www.fbu.org.uk/news/2025/11...
But cuts have made their job much harde. A statement from FBU general secretary Steve Wright:
Full story here: www.fbu.org.uk/news/2025/11...
Justin Madders Labour MP attended national school yesterday to answer members questions on the funding crisis in the fire and rescue service.
November 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Justin Madders Labour MP attended national school yesterday to answer members questions on the funding crisis in the fire and rescue service.
In areas where Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners took over fire and rescue services, democracy and accountability went out the window.
The FBU welcomes government plans to scrap this dangerous model.
All fire and rescue services need democratic structures to hold leaders to account.
The FBU welcomes government plans to scrap this dangerous model.
All fire and rescue services need democratic structures to hold leaders to account.
November 14, 2025 at 12:03 PM
In areas where Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners took over fire and rescue services, democracy and accountability went out the window.
The FBU welcomes government plans to scrap this dangerous model.
All fire and rescue services need democratic structures to hold leaders to account.
The FBU welcomes government plans to scrap this dangerous model.
All fire and rescue services need democratic structures to hold leaders to account.
London's full fleet of fire engines were only available for 5% of shifts so far this year due to cuts to crewing.
That's just 33 shifts. The last time that every fire engine was available in London was 30 September.
This is a crisis - and next year's budget is threatening yet more cuts.
That's just 33 shifts. The last time that every fire engine was available in London was 30 September.
This is a crisis - and next year's budget is threatening yet more cuts.
November 14, 2025 at 11:15 AM
London's full fleet of fire engines were only available for 5% of shifts so far this year due to cuts to crewing.
That's just 33 shifts. The last time that every fire engine was available in London was 30 September.
This is a crisis - and next year's budget is threatening yet more cuts.
That's just 33 shifts. The last time that every fire engine was available in London was 30 September.
This is a crisis - and next year's budget is threatening yet more cuts.
The FBU invited Care4Calais to national school this year to shed light on the reality of seeking asylum in the UK and to challenge common anti-migrant narratives.
November 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The FBU invited Care4Calais to national school this year to shed light on the reality of seeking asylum in the UK and to challenge common anti-migrant narratives.
Another successful day at national school!
FBU members are examining their power and agency as a collective to make lasting change in the fire service and wider society.
FBU members are examining their power and agency as a collective to make lasting change in the fire service and wider society.
November 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Another successful day at national school!
FBU members are examining their power and agency as a collective to make lasting change in the fire service and wider society.
FBU members are examining their power and agency as a collective to make lasting change in the fire service and wider society.
15 years of austerity has cut public services to the bone. Meanwhile the richest in our society are getting richer.
This year, FBU national school welcomed @faizashaheen.bsky.social from Tax Justice UK to speak on what a progressive tax reform could look like.
Labour must introduce a wealth tax.
This year, FBU national school welcomed @faizashaheen.bsky.social from Tax Justice UK to speak on what a progressive tax reform could look like.
Labour must introduce a wealth tax.
November 13, 2025 at 12:20 PM
15 years of austerity has cut public services to the bone. Meanwhile the richest in our society are getting richer.
This year, FBU national school welcomed @faizashaheen.bsky.social from Tax Justice UK to speak on what a progressive tax reform could look like.
Labour must introduce a wealth tax.
This year, FBU national school welcomed @faizashaheen.bsky.social from Tax Justice UK to speak on what a progressive tax reform could look like.
Labour must introduce a wealth tax.
Last night, the FBU coordinated with @strikemap.org and welcomed strikers from across the UK to share their stories and lessons learned on strike.
November 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Last night, the FBU coordinated with @strikemap.org and welcomed strikers from across the UK to share their stories and lessons learned on strike.
This years national school has officially started.
FBU reps and officials arrived yesterday and have begun discussions around the future of the fire and rescue service.
Over the next four days, members will develop campaign strategies around industrial issues that face firefighters today.
FBU reps and officials arrived yesterday and have begun discussions around the future of the fire and rescue service.
Over the next four days, members will develop campaign strategies around industrial issues that face firefighters today.
November 12, 2025 at 11:45 AM
This years national school has officially started.
FBU reps and officials arrived yesterday and have begun discussions around the future of the fire and rescue service.
Over the next four days, members will develop campaign strategies around industrial issues that face firefighters today.
FBU reps and officials arrived yesterday and have begun discussions around the future of the fire and rescue service.
Over the next four days, members will develop campaign strategies around industrial issues that face firefighters today.
Buckinghamshire fire authority are proposing to remove seven retained fire engines and close Great Missenden and Stokenchurch fire stations.
The fire authority is scheduled to meet tomorrow to vote on whether to take the cuts to public consultation or to confer decision power to the unelected CFO.
The fire authority is scheduled to meet tomorrow to vote on whether to take the cuts to public consultation or to confer decision power to the unelected CFO.
November 11, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Buckinghamshire fire authority are proposing to remove seven retained fire engines and close Great Missenden and Stokenchurch fire stations.
The fire authority is scheduled to meet tomorrow to vote on whether to take the cuts to public consultation or to confer decision power to the unelected CFO.
The fire authority is scheduled to meet tomorrow to vote on whether to take the cuts to public consultation or to confer decision power to the unelected CFO.
Firefighters are on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing a surge in wildfires and flooding. By June 3 this year, 99 wildfires had burned over 33,000 hectares of land.
The fire service needs urgent investment to respond to climate emergencies.
The fire service needs urgent investment to respond to climate emergencies.
November 11, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Firefighters are on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing a surge in wildfires and flooding. By June 3 this year, 99 wildfires had burned over 33,000 hectares of land.
The fire service needs urgent investment to respond to climate emergencies.
The fire service needs urgent investment to respond to climate emergencies.
Reform UK Kent council leader has been branded "Captain Chaos" after suspending nine councillors including five members of the fire authority.
The removal of fire authority members means that Kent FRS Chief Executive is unable to sign off on big spends.
"Captain Chaos" is threatening public safety
The removal of fire authority members means that Kent FRS Chief Executive is unable to sign off on big spends.
"Captain Chaos" is threatening public safety
November 10, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reform UK Kent council leader has been branded "Captain Chaos" after suspending nine councillors including five members of the fire authority.
The removal of fire authority members means that Kent FRS Chief Executive is unable to sign off on big spends.
"Captain Chaos" is threatening public safety
The removal of fire authority members means that Kent FRS Chief Executive is unable to sign off on big spends.
"Captain Chaos" is threatening public safety
Up to 30 fire engines are unavailable each day across London due to cuts to crews.
This includes specialist fire rescue units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise rescue.
LFB is now proposing a further £6m in cuts and £12m unidentified "savings".
This includes specialist fire rescue units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise rescue.
LFB is now proposing a further £6m in cuts and £12m unidentified "savings".
November 7, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Up to 30 fire engines are unavailable each day across London due to cuts to crews.
This includes specialist fire rescue units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise rescue.
LFB is now proposing a further £6m in cuts and £12m unidentified "savings".
This includes specialist fire rescue units and Turntable Ladders vital for high-rise rescue.
LFB is now proposing a further £6m in cuts and £12m unidentified "savings".
Once again, firefighters faced attacks on bonfire night. Last night, a crew of firefighters in Merseyside were attacked with fireworks while fighting a tower block fire.
The London fire brigade reported 821 calls yesterday - the highest number of bonfire night calls since 2016.
The London fire brigade reported 821 calls yesterday - the highest number of bonfire night calls since 2016.
November 6, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Once again, firefighters faced attacks on bonfire night. Last night, a crew of firefighters in Merseyside were attacked with fireworks while fighting a tower block fire.
The London fire brigade reported 821 calls yesterday - the highest number of bonfire night calls since 2016.
The London fire brigade reported 821 calls yesterday - the highest number of bonfire night calls since 2016.
The multi-millionaire deputy leader of Reform wants to raid the pensions of firefighters and other workers.
Scrapping defined benefit pensions would be an attack on all workers. The FBU will resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
Scrapping defined benefit pensions would be an attack on all workers. The FBU will resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
November 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The multi-millionaire deputy leader of Reform wants to raid the pensions of firefighters and other workers.
Scrapping defined benefit pensions would be an attack on all workers. The FBU will resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
Scrapping defined benefit pensions would be an attack on all workers. The FBU will resist any attempt to cut the pensions that firefighters have already paid into.
Bonfire night is one of the busiest shifts of the year for firefighters.
But the fire service is facing it without adequate resources. Despite a rising number of fires, year-on-year cuts have left us with one in five fewer firefighters.
We need to see serious investment and an end to cuts.
But the fire service is facing it without adequate resources. Despite a rising number of fires, year-on-year cuts have left us with one in five fewer firefighters.
We need to see serious investment and an end to cuts.
November 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Bonfire night is one of the busiest shifts of the year for firefighters.
But the fire service is facing it without adequate resources. Despite a rising number of fires, year-on-year cuts have left us with one in five fewer firefighters.
We need to see serious investment and an end to cuts.
But the fire service is facing it without adequate resources. Despite a rising number of fires, year-on-year cuts have left us with one in five fewer firefighters.
We need to see serious investment and an end to cuts.
Firefighters face one of the busiest nights of the year without adequate recourses.
Latest figures show outdoor fires have risen by 52% since last year.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright says "After another round funding cuts, firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever"
Latest figures show outdoor fires have risen by 52% since last year.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright says "After another round funding cuts, firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever"
November 5, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Firefighters face one of the busiest nights of the year without adequate recourses.
Latest figures show outdoor fires have risen by 52% since last year.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright says "After another round funding cuts, firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever"
Latest figures show outdoor fires have risen by 52% since last year.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright says "After another round funding cuts, firefighters are working to save lives under more pressure than ever"
Firefighters submit striking photographs to the FBU photo competition each year.
🏆Congratulations to Paul Young for winning this year's 1st prize!
His photo captures firefighters of Suffolk Fire and Rescue during power boat training on the River Deben.
🏆Congratulations to Paul Young for winning this year's 1st prize!
His photo captures firefighters of Suffolk Fire and Rescue during power boat training on the River Deben.
November 4, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Firefighters submit striking photographs to the FBU photo competition each year.
🏆Congratulations to Paul Young for winning this year's 1st prize!
His photo captures firefighters of Suffolk Fire and Rescue during power boat training on the River Deben.
🏆Congratulations to Paul Young for winning this year's 1st prize!
His photo captures firefighters of Suffolk Fire and Rescue during power boat training on the River Deben.
🚨 Avon fire service is proposing to cut up to 72 firefighter posts due to a £2M deficit, risking station closures and fewer fire engines.
Avon have already lost 252 firefighters since 2010.
These cuts will put lives at risk. The fire authority must secure funding from central government.
Avon have already lost 252 firefighters since 2010.
These cuts will put lives at risk. The fire authority must secure funding from central government.
November 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
🚨 Avon fire service is proposing to cut up to 72 firefighter posts due to a £2M deficit, risking station closures and fewer fire engines.
Avon have already lost 252 firefighters since 2010.
These cuts will put lives at risk. The fire authority must secure funding from central government.
Avon have already lost 252 firefighters since 2010.
These cuts will put lives at risk. The fire authority must secure funding from central government.
#WeRemember four firefighters who lost their lives at the Atherstone Warehouse fire 18 years ago, yesterday.
Ian Reid, John Averis, Ashley Stephens and Darren Yates-Badley were sent into the fire after the site had been evacuated. The incident exposed operational failings and gross negligence.
Ian Reid, John Averis, Ashley Stephens and Darren Yates-Badley were sent into the fire after the site had been evacuated. The incident exposed operational failings and gross negligence.
November 3, 2025 at 12:45 PM
#WeRemember four firefighters who lost their lives at the Atherstone Warehouse fire 18 years ago, yesterday.
Ian Reid, John Averis, Ashley Stephens and Darren Yates-Badley were sent into the fire after the site had been evacuated. The incident exposed operational failings and gross negligence.
Ian Reid, John Averis, Ashley Stephens and Darren Yates-Badley were sent into the fire after the site had been evacuated. The incident exposed operational failings and gross negligence.