There are almost 100 fewer firefighters in Gloucestershire than a decade ago, figures show, as the Fire Brigades Union accuses the Government of "complacency" over cuts to services in the face of climate change.

With early weather reports predicting further hot weather in August, the FBU warns that the fire and rescue service across England is unlikely to be able to cope with wildfires like those seen during the historic hot spell in July.

The latest available Home Office figures show there were the equivalent of 367 full-time firefighters at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) as of the end of March last year – 171 wholetime and 196 on-call.

Though this was up from 356 a year before, it was fewer than 463 in 2011 – a fall of 21% over a decade.

GFRS has recruited an additional 39 firefighters since the end November 2021 and is currently recruiting for on-call firefighters.

Visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/glosfire for more information.

The FBU said the Government and chief fire officers have "decimated" the service nationally, with almost 10,000 fewer firefighters across England last year than a decade previously.

Riccardo la Torre, FBU national officer, said: Put simply, further heatwaves will result in more wildfires, and the fire and rescue service is unlikely to be able to cope.

“Firefighters face a climate emergency at work and a cost-of-living crisis at home."

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Government is committed to ensuring fire services have the resources they need to keep us safe, including from wildfires, and overall fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.5 billion in 2022-23."