Key facts
- Firefighters faced challenges with water supplies during this year's record summer wildfires.
- Limited water pressure and low levels in open sources restricted firefighting efforts.
- 81% of UK fire and rescue services altered response plans due to water concerns.
- A wildfire in Stourbridge saw water carriers take nearly 40 minutes to replenish.
- The government is urged to define water companies' responsibilities during major fire incidents.
Firefighters in the UK struggled with water supplies during this year's record-breaking summer, which saw numerous wildfires. Lawmakers were told that limited water pressure and low levels in open sources like lakes and rivers hampered efforts. In one instance, replenishing a water carrier took nearly 40 minutes. Fire services also faced pressure to conserve mains water for public use. A survey revealed that 81% of fire and rescue services had to change their emergency response plans due to water access concerns. The National Fire Chiefs Council highlighted increasing demand on water networks from climate breakdown, population growth, and infrastructure development. The Environment Agency estimates England could face a daily shortage of 5 billion liters by 2055 without action. The EFRA committee has called for water for firefighting to be recognized as a critical public safety requirement and for a statutory framework outlining water companies' responsibilities during major fire incidents. A government spokesperson stated that improving wildfire preparedness is a priority and a summit is scheduled.