Held on 21 September, the reception brought together representatives from organisations across the UK in recognition of the support provided to communities during a period of prolonged high temperatures and increased pressure on public services.
Throughout the summer, staff across Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service played a significant role both locally and nationally. While firefighters were deployed to tackle major incidents, control room staff, support teams and specialist personnel helped coordinate, sustain and support the Service's response. Before firefighters volunteered to support wildfire incidents in Hampshire and South Wales through National Resilience mutual aid arrangements, the Service had already responded to one of Suffolk's most significant incidents of the year at Dunwich Heath.
The wildfire prompted a major multi-agency response. At its height, more than 120 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze, which affected a large area of heathland on the Suffolk coast. Firefighters worked alongside partners and local landowners in challenging conditions to contain the fire, create firebreaks and protect nearby communities, wildlife habitats, and property.
The response to the Dunwich Heath wildfire demonstrated the professionalism, resilience and commitment shown across Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, with firefighters, control room staff, support teams and partner organisations working together to protect communities, property, and the natural environment.
In the weeks that followed, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service continued to support wildfire operations in Hampshire and South Wales through National Resilience arrangements. While firefighters volunteered to deploy to the incidents, this work was enabled by colleagues across the Service who ensured emergency cover and critical support functions were maintained for Suffolk residents.
Reflecting on the event, Jon Lacey, said:
"It was a privilege to represent the Service at Downing Street. I am immensely proud of the way our firefighters, control room staff, support teams, volunteers and partner organisations worked together to support communities during an exceptionally busy period.
"Whether responding to significant incidents in Suffolk or supporting national resilience operations elsewhere in the country, everyone played their part. It was an honour to represent the collective effort, commitment and professionalism shown by all those involved."
Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service, added:
"The response shown by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service throughout the summer was exceptional. Whether tackling significant incidents here in Suffolk or supporting communities elsewhere through national resilience arrangements, colleagues consistently demonstrated the very best of public service.
"It is right that those collective efforts were acknowledged, and I am proud of the contribution made by everyone involved."
The reception provided an opportunity to highlight the collective efforts of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service staff, emergency responders, volunteers and partner organisations whose work helped protect communities during a demanding summer period.
