UK to create AI wildfire unit and equip military aircraft to fight fires
The package includes up to £45 million for specialist firefighting teams and equipment, plus £25 million for peatland restoration in England.
Britain will create a Wildfires AI Unit as part of government measures to detect fires sooner and strengthen firefighting after the country experienced its hottest summer on record. The package also provides for military aircraft to tackle wildfires.
Under the government plan, the unit will link officials with universities and technology businesses. It will be based at the National Situation Centre, inside the Cobr emergency committee rooms. Neither its funding nor its starting date has been specified.
According to The Guardian, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is outlining the measures at England’s first wildfire summit. Participants include Google, Airbus and VodafoneThree, with discussions expected to cover satellite-based monitoring and early warnings.
The military contribution will involve equipping RAF Chinook helicopters and A400M transport aircraft for wildfire duties for the first time. Fire services will be able to request them for operations on remote moorland and steep slopes.
Up to £45 million is allocated to specialist wildfire teams and lighter protective equipment. Existing firefighting clothing is designed for building fires rather than extended outdoor use. The Guardian reported that over half of 29 responding fire and rescue services lacked protective equipment for wildfires.
Another £25 million will support restoration of England’s dried-out peatland, intended to increase water retention and create natural barriers to fire. Natural England will administer grants covering April 2027 to April 2029. Farmers will also receive assistance to protect their land from fires.
Ministers will consider tighter local restrictions on starting fires during periods of high risk, potentially including prohibitions on some products.
