FIREFIGHTERS have been stretched to the limit as Storm Claudia brought severe flooding across Wales and England, the Fire Brigades Union warned today.

The storm brought heavy rain across the south of England and Wales, with a major incident declared in Monmouth on Saturday prompted by severe flooding.

FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “Firefighters in Wales and England have been working tirelessly and through the night to deal with severe flooding and protect communities affected by Storm Claudia.

“The scale of the response in Monmouth and elsewhere shows once again just how vital our service is when disasters hit.

“But it is also clear that services are under huge strain. Our reps are reporting exceptionally busy workloads, made more difficult by the simple reality that there are fewer firefighters and fewer appliances available than there should be.”

Since 2010, the fire service has lost 20 per cent of its firefighters to cuts, with another real-terms pay cut from central government imposed on the service this year.

“Crews are doing everything asked of them and more, but resources are stretched to the limit,” added Mr Wright.

“This is a reminder of the pressures firefighters face every time severe weather strikes.

“Flooding incidents are increasing, demand is rising, and services are being pushed harder each year despite having less to work with.

“Firefighters continue to step up for their communities, but they are doing so under increasingly difficult conditions.”

Britain recorded the coldest night since March as temperatures dropped to -7°C  in Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands on Saturday night, with a cold snap forecast to grip the country in the coming days.