Military aircraft, including RAF Chinook helicopters and A400M planes, will be fitted to tackle wildfires as part of a new UK Government strategy to combat rising blazes. The announcement comes ahead of England’s first wildfire resilience summit on Friday, October 23, hosted by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
New Aerial Firefighting Capability
The plan includes creating the UK’s first permanently based military aerial firefighting capability. RAF Chinook helicopters and A400M aircraft will be equipped to fight wildfires in hard-to-reach areas such as moorland and steep hillsides.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is hosting the summit, referenced the Stourbridge wildfire, saying he watched families lose everything and would never forget the devastation caused by the blaze. Mr Burnham said: “I stood in Stourbridge and watched families lose everything.
“I will never forget it. Our firefighters were heroes that day, but heroes shouldn’t have to fight with one hand tied behind their backs.
“Crews will now have the kit they need to stay safe and military aircraft will stand ready to help tackle wildfires from the sky.
“We cannot put people through another summer like this one.”
Funding for Firefighter Gear and Peatland Restoration
The Government has also pledged up to £45 million for wildfire-specific protective equipment for firefighters. This new kit is lighter and more breathable than traditional gear, allowing crews to work safely for longer periods.
An additional £25 million will fund peatland restoration across England. Rehydrated peatlands retain water and act as natural firebreaks, helping to reduce the risk of wildfires before they start.
Farmers will also receive support to create ponds and remove highly flammable materials from areas at high risk of fire.
Record Wildfire Season and Major Incidents
The measures follow a summer of extreme wildfire conditions, with the hottest summer on record and widespread drought leaving land dangerously dry. In England and Wales, firefighters attended 1,132 wildfires in the year to August 16, already exceeding the total for the whole of 2025.
Major incidents included the Stourbridge blaze, which destroyed 19 homes, and large fires at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk.
Communities Secretary Angela Rayner described this year’s wildfires as “unrelenting”, saying they had left a devastating impact on communities, homes, and the countryside. She said ministers were taking immediate action while working with emergency services and experts to strengthen the UK’s long-term response to wildfires.
Future Measures and Action Plan
The Government is also exploring tougher restrictions and possible product bans during periods of extreme danger. Other proposals include using artificial intelligence to improve wildfire detection, enhancing forecasts with the Met Office, and developing England’s first dedicated wildfire action plan.
The new measures follow calls from MPs for dedicated firefighting aircraft, public awareness campaigns, and restrictions on activities such as using disposable barbecues when wildfire risks are high.
