The government has announced a significant £97 million investment to bolster the UK’s capacity to combat the escalating threat of wildfires, driven by increasingly hot and dry conditions linked to climate change.
This substantial programme will see specialist firefighter teams strategically positioned across key regions including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Northumberland, London, and South Wales. These units are set to become operational by the end of June, aiming to provide rapid response and alleviate pressure on local services.
Over recent months, these teams have undergone intensive training, enhancing their skills in advanced strategies such as tactical burning. Their preparation also included international learning exchanges in South Africa and Poland, drawing on global expertise.
The funding package also represents the largest upgrade to National Resilience fire vehicles and equipment in two decades.
The National Resilience programme, established in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, provides specialised capabilities and resources for a range of critical incidents, from natural disasters to industrial accidents. This investment forms part of the New Dimensions 2 programme, which focuses on replacing and upgrading these vital national capabilities.
Last year alone, these capabilities were deployed over 1,000 times, with wildfires identified as a growing demand on the service, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Building safety minister Samantha Dixon emphasised the importance of the investment, stating: “This country benefits from a dedicated fire and rescue service and as incidents continue to evolve in complexity, it’s critical that we back those on the frontline with the latest equipment. Last year saw some of our most devastating wildfires in recent history and as we head into peak season, we’re getting on and delivering the resource, training and assets needed to minimise the escalating risk.”
Earlier this month, a separate £3 million investment was announced to restore thousands of acres of moorland, including areas affected by one of England’s largest wildfires last year. A vast expanse of the North York Moors National Park was engulfed by fire in August and September 2025, covering 10 square miles and burning for over six weeks.
MHCLG figures reveal that fire services in England tackled nearly 27,000 grassland, woodland, and crop fires during the spring and summer of last year. This surge in incidents, with some services reporting their highest numbers for the spring period since comparable data began, was largely attributed to prolonged dry weather that led to drought declarations across several parts of the country.
