Key facts
- Chinook helicopters and A400M aircraft will be equipped for firefighting.
- This marks the UK's first permanent military aerial firefighting capability.
- £45 million is allocated for new firefighter PPE.
- £25 million will fund peatland restoration.
- 1,132 wildfires responded to in England and Wales up to August 16.
The UK government has announced plans to equip military aircraft, including Chinook helicopters and A400M planes, to combat wildfires. This initiative will establish the UK's first permanent military aerial firefighting capability, designed to assist crews in tackling blazes in remote and difficult terrains. The announcement comes after a summer marked by severe wildfires, exacerbated by hot and dry weather conditions. England is set to host its inaugural wildfire resilience summit, aimed at enhancing support for firefighters and improving landscape resilience. Firefighters will also receive updated, lighter personal protective equipment. Additionally, the government is investing in peatland restoration and providing support to farmers for fire prevention measures, alongside considering stricter regulations on activities that pose a high fire risk.