Polanski challenges London Fire Brigade over climate adaptation plans

London Assembly Member, Zack Polanski, has questioned Deputy Commissioner of London Fire Brigade on how the Brigade can better prepare for wildfires in the event of further periods of extreme heat. 

The London Assembly member was speaking following a meeting of the Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning Committee in which the Deputy Commissioner answered questions how the London Fire Brigade (LFB) is adapting to and mitigating for climate change.  

On 19 July 2022, the fire service in London declared a major incident after it said it had received the largest number of emergency calls since World War II [1]. The incident was a result of soaring temperatures and prolonged dry weather which led to hundreds of fires across London.  

Zack Polanski said: “It is undeniable that climate change is driving prolonged periods of extreme temperatures.” 

“Last year, London experienced unprecedented extreme heatwaves and this week southern Europe is experiencing near-record temperatures.” 

“In the event of further periods of extreme heat, implementing extreme heat adaptation response and ensuring the Brigade is prepared for wildfires is vital.” 

“I’m pleased the Deputy Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, agreed to my request for the LFB to conduct regular reporting on the Brigade’s climate emergency preparedness.”

“This reporting will be key in the London Fire Brigade adapting to a changing climate.” 

Additionally, Zack Polanski asked the Deputy Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade on his assessment of the health impacts of air pollution and wildfires: 

The Commissioner responded to say it is “an area of work we need to improve on in terms of health.” 

Zack Polanski added: “It is crucial the service reviews the impacts wildfires have on our health to keep Londoners safe, I will continue to push this issue.”