In an announcement from the government, it has been revealed that the RAF’s Chinook helicopters and A400M aircraft will be equipped so they can fight fires from the sky.
The advantage of aircraft over trucks or firefighters on the ground is primarily their ease of reaching remote moorland, steep hillsides and other hard-to-reach terrain, as opposed to traditional methods.
Andy Burnham, Prime Minister, 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.”
Much like the BBQ wildfire severe alert, the government will also look at tougher local restrictions or product bans to stop people starting fires when the risk is high.
To reduce the risk even further, Labour will invest more money to make landscapes more resilient, including £25 million to restore dried-out peatlands in England so they can hold more water and act as natural firebreaks, as well as financial support for farmers to fireproof their land.
In the meantime, firefighters on the front line in England will be boosted by additional specialist wildfire teams and wildfire-specific, light weight personal protective equipment, backed by up to £45 million.
Other measures announced today include a new Wildfires AI Unit in COBR’s National Situation Centre, increased work with the Met Office on better wildfire forecasts and risks, the development of England’s first Wildfire Action Plan and closer work with the Devolved Governments to foster greater alignment and shared expertise.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN