UK Deploys Military Aircraft to Combat Wildfires
Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 7:35 am – 11:11 am AEST
The UK government is deploying military aircraft, including Chinook helicopters and A400M planes, to assist civilian fire services in fighting wildfires. This follows a record-breaking summer with a significant increase in wildfire incidents across England and Wales.
What happened
- The UK government announced the deployment of military aircraft, specifically the Royal Air Force's Chinook helicopters and A400M planes, to combat wildfires.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated this was necessary due to a record-breaking summer 2026 with 1,350 wildfires in England and Wales, exceeding previous years by over 300 and 1,000 respectively.
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed this was the first time these aircraft were being equipped for wildfire response in the UK, noting previous assistance in Cyprus.
- Civilian fire services across the UK can request this support for tackling wildfires on challenging terrain.
- The government is also investing £45 million in wildfire-specific personal protective equipment for firefighters.
- Furthermore, a £25 million scheme is planned from April 2027 to April 2029 to restore dried-out peatlands as natural firebreaks and provide financial support to farmers for fireproofing their land.
- Following a temporary ban on disposable BBQs, ministers are considering tougher local restrictions to prevent wildfires.
Original reporting
- BBC: UK to draft in military aircraft to fight wildfires, Burnham says
2026-10-22T21:35:21.172000+00:00 - Sky News: Military aircraft to be equipped to fight wildfires
2026-10-23T01:11:00+00:00