'For sake of firefighters and planet's future, make the rich pay'

FIREFIGHTERS are needed now more than ever as the climate crisis supercharges heatwaves, droughts and record numbers of wildfires, a union has warned.

- BY NADA FARHOUD

The Fire Brigades Union has called on oil companies and the super-rich to pay more towards the emergency service, which is on its knees from cuts and underfunding.

FBU boss Steve Wright said: "During summers like this, firefighters work in gruelling conditions to keep the public safe. Too often, they do so without adequate numbers or proper protective kit.