UK equips military aircraft to combat wildfires amid climate challenges

Last updated: October 23, 2026 | 06:17

A forest fire in the UK, which has faced widespread droughts, extreme heat and resulting wildfires each summer in recent years. Market Drayton Fire Station FB.jpg

UK military helicopters and planes will be equipped to fight wildfires, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced late Thursday ahead of hosting England's first "resilience" summit focused on the growing threat they pose.

English firefighting services will also get additional specialist wildfire teams and lightweight personal protective equipment, as the government said it was earmarking up to £45 million ($60 million) to counter the increase in blazes.

The UK has faced widespread droughts, extreme heat and resulting wildfires each summer in recent years, in a trend scientists have blamed on man-made climate change.

One blaze in Stourbridge, central England, in August gutted 19 houses and damaged 18 others, prompting Burnham to warn on a…