COUNTY firefighters are likely to face an increase in the number and severity of fires, water shortages and more floods due to climate change.

The fire and rescue services will have to respond to the changing environment by adjusting its equipment, systems and training, the services it offers and how they are delivered.

Paul Hayden, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, says rural areas will bear the brunt of increasing numbers of fire.

In his report to the fire service, which meets on Monday, June 11, Mr Hayden says: "There is a broad consensus that the UK climate is changing and will continue to change throughout the 21st century, affecting all aspects of our environment, society and economy. As a service, we will need to identify the implications resulting from a warming climate and prepare for the inevitable challenges it will bring.

"Climate change will lead to an increase in the frequency of hot summers and therefore to an increase in the number and severity of grassland and forest fires.

"These summers are also predicted to be very dry, which may lead to water shortages. Water shortages will impact on both fire fighting operations and training. Increased winter rainfall and higher sea levels will lead to an increase in flooding events."

According to the Department of Communities and Local Govern-ment, a one degree celsius average summer temperature in-crease will result in a 17-28 per cent rise in the number of fires.

Mr Hayden is recommending that he should continue to monitor national developments and then report his findings back to the fire service's board for an action plan.