Strategic risks facing UK fire and rescue services

In February 2026 edition of The ALARM Journal, FRIC’s Risk Mitigation Officer, Sue Nugent discusses strategic risks facing UK fire and rescue services.

Fire and rescue services face a growing set of strategic risks that extend well beyond the incident ground. In this ALARM article, Sue Nugent explores how climate change, financial pressure, technological dependence and workforce challenges are reshaping the risk landscape for UK fire and rescue services. Drawing on sector insight and practical experience, the article highlights why a proactive, strategic approach to risk management is essential to sustaining resilience, protecting people and delivering long‑term public value.

Download the full article to explore the key strategic risks facing UK fire and rescue services and the practical steps leaders and risk professionals can take to mitigate them.

This article was originally published in February 2026 stronger, the ALARM journal. ALARM is a not-for-profit professional membership association supporting risk management and insurance practitioners with education, training, guidance, best practice, networking and industry recognition. For more information, visit alarmrisk.com and follow @ALARMrisk on LinkedIn.