The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that bonfire night (Thursday 5 November) is “consistently one of the busiest nights of the year” for firefighters and has urged the public to take “extra care and exercise common sense”, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chancellor should “remember, remember” the pressure that firefighters are under from existing and emerging threats as he plans the upcoming spending review and provide immediate funding for an additional 5,000 firefighters, the FBU says.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said:

“Bonfire night is consistently one of the busiest nights of the year for fire and rescue services – and it’s vital that, particularly during this pandemic, people take extra care and exercise common sense.

“Brigades are facing new and emerging threats with 11,200 fewer firefighters and control staff than a decade ago– but every bonfire night, it’s fires that stretch services.

“This fifth of November the Chancellor should remember, remember the pressure firefighters are under as he plans the upcoming spending review. We urgently need funding for at least 5,000 more firefighters to protect the public from the threats of today and tomorrow - such as climate change and the building safety crisis.”