Military to Fight UK Wildfires with RAF Jets

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that military planes and helicopters will be deployed to assist in tackling the UK's growing wildfire problem. Civilian fire services across all four nations can now request support from the Royal Air Force's Chinook helicopters and A400M planes for difficult terrains. This measure follows a summer in 2026 that experienced an unprecedented 1,350 wildfires in England and Wales, a significant increase from previous years.

The government is investing £45 million in new, lightweight personal protective equipment tailored for wildfire fighting, as current gear is designed for building fires and is uncomfortable for prolonged use. Furthermore, a £25 million scheme will run from April 2027 to April 2029 to restore peatlands, creating natural firebreaks. Farmers will also receive financial aid for fireproofing measures.

To bolster national resilience, a "Wildfires AI Unit" will be launched, integrating universities, tech firms, and the Cobra emergency committee with Met Office forecasts. This unit aims to improve coordinated responses to wildfire incidents. Stricter local restrictions and product bans are also being considered to mitigate fire risks, building on previous temporary bans on disposable BBQs.

Concerns about the UK's wildfire preparedness have been raised, with MPs highlighting weaknesses in accessing aerial firefighting resources and national coordination. The current system for securing aerial support has been deemed "no longer fit for purpose." The Met Office confirmed that summer 2026 was the hottest on record, with heat events made 130 times more likely due to climate change.