UK plans military aid and £45m equipment boost to combat wildfires

The UK government announced a £45m investment in wildfire-specific personal protective equipment for firefighters, which is lighter than current building fire gear. Additionally, a £25m scheme from April 2027 to April 2029 will restore dried-out peatlands in England as natural firebreaks, and financial support will aid farmers in fireproofing land, such as by digging ponds. Military aircraft, like RAF Chinook crews who have already assisted in Cyprus, will also help, following concerns raised by MPs about weaknesses in UK wildfire preparedness, including aerial resource access and national coordination.