// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Many hydrants lacking flow needed for firefighting needs, fire chiefs say
National Fire Chiefs Council says half of UK fire services surveyed reported "frequently" encountering "insufficient flow"
Fire hydrants in the UK often do not provide enough water flow for firefighting, fire chiefs have warned.
A report published by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) claims that inadequate water supplies across the UK are impacting fire crews' "ability to respond effectively" and putting the public at risk.
It carried out a survey of UK fire services which suggested that 81% have had to change their emergency response plans due to concerns over adequate water supplies.
"The very least firefighters should be able to rely on is access to the water they need to protect people," said NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan.
The report calls for firefighting water supplies to be recognised as a critical public safety requirement, for "greater accountability" for the water sector and for increased hydrant maintenance.
Fire hydrants in the UK are access points that allow crews to access mains water when they arrive at the scene of a blaze. They are often marked by a yellow sign showing a capital "H" - there are hundreds of thousands across the UK.
The NFCC warned that climate change, droughts and population growth are "increasing demand on an already stretched water network".
It provided the example of West Midlands Fire Service, which experienced water pressure issues over several days during the major wildfire in Stourbridge last month.
During the height of the blaze, it took 40 minutes to refill its water carrier due to reduced pressure - and crews had to rely on an additional high-volume pump for water supply.