Northumberland Fire and Rescue becomes national wildfire response team
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has strengthened its ability to respond to wildfires following extensive specialist training.
The training, funded by HM Government through the National Resilience Programme, has enabled NFRS to become one of six National Wildfire Teams, which can be deployed throughout England and Wales during periods of heightened wildfire risk.
The development forms part of a wider national effort to improve resilience as wildfires increase in scale and complexity.
NFRS personnel have undertaken advanced training both in the UK and internationally, gaining experience in specialist firefighting techniques and sharing best practice with partner agencies from around the world.
Training included a course in Texas focused on managing fires in rural-urban interface areas, where development meets countryside and wildfire risk can be particularly challenging.
In South Africa, six firefighters completed hands-on tactical burn training, learning how to safely create fire breaks using controlled burns.
Meanwhile, 17 personnel took part in a week-long course in South Wales designed to standardise wildfire response across the National Wildfire Teams.
Backed by a £97 million national investment in fire and rescue equipment, the programme aims to improve response capability, strengthen coordination and provide greater protection for communities, countryside and critical infrastructure.
Rob Stacey, Wildfire Team Leader at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are incredibly proud to be selected as one of the national wildfire response teams.
"As wildfire risk continues to grow, this investment in specialist training, equipment and national coordination will strengthen our ability to protect communities, critical infrastructure and the environment both in Northumberland and across the country.”
Chief Fire Officer Keith Carruthers added: "Wildfires present increasingly complex challenges for fire and rescue services, requiring specialist skills, strong partnerships and the ability to adapt to changing risks.
"The knowledge and experience our personnel have gained through this programme will help us make informed decisions in demanding operational environments and work even more effectively alongside partner agencies. "
Cllr Gordon Stewart, Fire Authority Chair and Cabinet Member for Public Safety, said: "This investment demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring fire and rescue services are equipped to meet emerging risks.
"By supporting specialist capabilities and national resilience, it will help ensure communities are better protected and services can continue to respond effectively when they are needed most."