London Fire Brigade is to exhibit for the first time at RHS Chelsea Flower Show to highlight the issues of urban flooding.
The Brigade will have a stand at the event which showcases how fire services are at the sharp edge of some of the impacts of climate change, dealing with an increase in flooding incidents and weather-related calls.
The popular show takes place from 24th to 28th May with a focus on sustainable solutions through planet friendly gardening.
The Brigade’s exhibit will be in the Great Pavilion Discovery Zone and is set to be spectacular.
As well as showcasing the types of flooding incidents firefighters are regularly called to, the stand will also explain how permeable paving and extra planting can reduce the risk of flooding in people’s homes and what people can do if their home is flooded.
Flooding emergencies are one of many types of incidents that the Brigade deals with, helping to rescue people from buildings and diverting floodwater away from property.
Flooding incidents attended by London Fire Brigade increased by 12% last year compared to 2020, with more than 7,000 flooding-related calls in total in 2021. There were several incidents of flash flooding across London last summer, with Control Officers taking more than 1,000 calls on two separate occasions.
The Brigade’s project manager for RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Bella Trowbridge, said: “We are really excited to be at this prestigious event to highlight some of the fantastic work our firefighters are carrying out across the city on a regular basis.
“We are also keen to highlight to Londoners how they can make small changes which could help protect their homes from flooding.”
“We hope our unique exhibition will appeal to people of all different ages and that those visitors who get the chance to view it will leave with a better understanding of what to do in the event of a flood and how our fire services help in such scenarios.”