Government strengthens wildfire resilience heading into summer months

The teams have undergone intense training, upskilling in the latest strategies like tactical burning, and travelling to South Africa and Poland to learn from the international community.

In the wake of devastating wildfires last year, which included widespread damage across the North York Moors National Park, the Government’s announcement will provide crucial protection to safeguard precious countryside and communities.  

State-of-the-art kit, including dedicated off-road vehicles, will also be made available through a wider £97 million investment to fund the largest scale upgrade of national resilience assets in almost two decades.

Backing the front line

Building Safety Minister Samantha Dixon stated: “This country benefits from a dedicated Fire and Rescue Service operation and, as incidents continue to evolve in complexity, it’s critical that we back those on the front line with the latest equipment.”  

Dixon continued: “Last year witnessed some of the most devastating wildfires in our recent history and, as we head into peak season, we’re delivering the resource, training and assets needed to minimise the escalating risk.”

The Fire National Resilience Programme was established after the 9/11 terrorist attack, recognising that specialist capabilities, personnel and resources were needed to enable Fire and Rescue Services to respond effectively to a national-scale catastrophic incident.

The significant cash boost from Westminster will ensure the dedication of the Fire and Rescue Services is matched with the most up-to-date assets, funding a huge overhaul of existing vehicles and equipment. 

Crucially, this will serve to strengthen the country’s national response to the largest and most complex of incidents: from flash flooding to raging wildfires and collapsed structures.

Specialist capabilities

These specialist capabilities were used over 1,000 times in 2025 alone to tackle a diverse range of incidents, with devastating wildfires identified as a growing demand placed upon Fire and Rescue Services.

The wildfire teams will be located strategically and hosted by Fire and Rescue Services in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Northumberland, London and South Wales AND deployable to incidents across England by the end of June.