Europe’s Firefighters Demand Increased Funding and Staffing for Sustainable Safety Solutions

Europe’s fire services are feeling the heat as climate change fuels an uptick in wildfires and other emergencies. Firefighter unions warn that underfunding is leaving these services stretched thin. As temperatures rise, both wildfires and household fires—sometimes sparked by unsafe solar technology installations—are putting greater pressure on firefighters across the continent.

Volunteers play a critical role, with many dedicating over 1,000 hours a year. Pablo Sanchez from the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) argues that relying on volunteers in such a demanding way is not sustainable. “They are using volunteers like they are professionals,” he noted, stressing the urgent need for better funding and support.

Recent EPSU findings revealed a steep decline in the number of professional firefighters from 2021 to 2023. In countries like Sweden, Romania, and Hungary, the numbers fell by more than 20%. Germany saw a 7% drop, while Belgium and Portugal experienced smaller declines of 5% and 2% respectively.

This shortage stems from various factors: budget cuts in some nations, and a dwindling interest in the profession due to the increasing difficulty of training and changing work-life dynamics, according to Stephan Wevers, president of the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU).

Despite growing demands on fire services, government funding has stagnated at around 0.5% of total public expenditure since 2001. With new EU fiscal rules set to tighten budgets, the public sector could face even harsher cuts, further straining emergency responses.

According to EU statistics, 2024 saw slightly fewer wildfires compared to previous years, but the area burned was larger. Unions have been pressing for increased investment in both equipment and personnel since 2023, which was one of the worst years for wildfires in recent times.

A concerning trend is that while more than 360,000 firefighters were active in Europe in 2023, the overall number had actually dropped by 2,800 from 2021 to 2022. Calls for improved protective gear and mandatory decontamination procedures are also on the rise.

With evolving work and personal commitments, volunteering is becoming less viable for many people. Wevers highlights that more rigorous training requirements demand increased dedication, turning potential volunteers away. EU laws should be revised to attract more individuals into firefighting roles.

Lawmakers are considering exempting firefighters from the Working Time Directive, which currently imposes strict health and safety standards that complicate balancing regular jobs with volunteer commitments. A public hearing in May will address these and other challenges affecting firefighters.

However, just increasing the number of firefighters won’t suffice. Reports from bodies like the European Environment Agency and World Bank suggest that EU policies should enhance climate resilience and prevention strategies. A new EU preparedness strategy, launched in March, aims to educate communities and improve early warning systems for emergencies, while unifying response efforts across borders.

Wevers emphasizes the importance of adapting to the reality of wildfires. Better management of natural areas and stricter building codes in fire-prone regions are necessary for effective long-term solutions. “We can’t have a fire station on every corner. A good response requires good nature management,” he concluded.

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Europe, wildfires, volunteers, investments