England’s wildfire risk programme was never implemented
A promised 2023–2027 scheme was not brought into effect, while separate data point to gaps in fire service equipment and training.
A wildfire risk programme for England, promised in the 2023 national climate adaptation programme to run through 2027, was never implemented. The government said the commitment had been made by the previous government but “was not brought into effect”.
The scheme was intended to adapt land management to wildfire risk. Its non-implementation was disclosed in a freedom of information response obtained by environmental campaigner Guy Shrubsole.
Separate data gathered by the Country Land and Business Association found that more than half of 29 fire services responding to an information request lacked wildfire-specific personal protective equipment. The findings cover only those respondents and do not establish the position across all services.
The data also pointed to limited wildfire training in some services, including Cleveland and Cheshire. The Fire Brigades Union is calling for appropriate protective equipment, training and a wildfire strategy.
The government said wildfire preparedness was a priority and that it would convene a summit with fire and rescue service partners. It also cited £100m previously provided to upgrade national resilience assets. No timing or outcomes for the summit were given.
