The UK is preparing to bring military aircraft into the response to future wildfires, Burnham has said, as the Prime Minister hosts the country’s first wildfire summit.
The summit is intended to help prepare for further major blazes after what has been described as a record summer in 2026. The planned use of military aircraft forms part of wider efforts to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to wildfires.
No further details have been provided on the aircraft involved, how they would be deployed or which areas could be covered. The announcement indicates that preparations are being made in advance of possible future fires rather than in response to a specific blaze.
The wildfire summit brings together the issue of readiness and response following the severe conditions experienced during the record summer. Further information about the proposed role of the military and the measures agreed at the summit was not included in the supplied material.