The government has dropped plans to prepare the countryside in England for wildfires, it has been revealed. This decision comes despite new data showing that fire crews do not have the proper protective gear to tackle such incidents.
The third national climate adaptation programme, published in July 2023 by the Conservative government under Rishi Sunak, had committed to a wildfire risk programme in England from 2023 to 2027. This programme aimed to adapt land management for wildfire risks. However, the current government has stated that this commitment "was made by the previous government but was not brought into effect."
Information obtained through a freedom of information request by environmental campaigner Guy Shrubsole highlighted the lack of implementation. Alistair Carmichael, a Scottish Liberal Democrat MP and chair of the Commons environment food and rural affairs committee, expressed alarm that ministers had not prioritised work to adapt land for wildfire risk.
New data from the Country Land and Business Association indicates that over half of 29 responding fire services lack wildfire personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes the Suffolk fire and rescue service, which dealt with a wildfire near Sizewell B nuclear power station this summer. Standard PPE may be unsuitable for wildfire conditions, potentially causing overheating or exposure to dangerous gases.
The data also revealed limited training for wildfires, with examples such as Cleveland having only 1.2% of staff qualified for tactical advice or command, and Cheshire with 8.62% trained for wildfire operations. The Fire Brigades Union is calling for correct PPE and adequate training programmes for members combating wildfires. A government spokesperson stated that wildfire preparedness is now a priority and a summit will be convened with fire and rescue service partners.