Former state fire and emergency services leaders have demanded a federal parliamentary inquiry into resourcing as natural disaster risks rise due to climate change.

Some 23 former leaders have written an open letter asking the major parties to commit to an inquiry and examine the need for more research into bushfires and other natural hazards.

“Current federal government climate policy has resulted in greenhouse gas pollution increasing over the past four years,” the letter says. “The Federal Government must prioritise credible climate policy to save lives, property and the environment.”

The group – Emergency Leaders for Climate Action – have also called on Canberra to acquire large firefighting aircraft, as seasonal fleets become increasingly unavailable.

It wants to meet the Prime Minister to discuss adequate resourcing, emergency planning and policy change.

“We have seen our emergency services becoming more and more overwhelmed as they struggle to cope with intensifying extreme weather driven by climate change,” former commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW Greg Mullins says.

“Emergency services simply don’t have the resources or capacity to adapt to this changing threat, particularly as many face continual budget restrictions.”