England wildfire preparation scheme was never implemented, FOI reveals

A programme intended to help England prepare its countryside for wildfire risk was never implemented, according to information obtained through a freedom of information request. The scheme was included in the third national climate adaptation programme, published in July 2023 by the Conservative government led by Rishi Sunak. It was supposed to run from 2023 to 2027 and encourage land management to reflect the growing risk of wildfires.

The current government told environmental campaigner and author Guy Shrubsole that the commitment “was made by the previous government but was not brought into effect”. Shrubsole said the failure was unacceptable, particularly after a summer of severe fires. The disclosure came alongside data from the Country Land and Business Association showing that more than half of 29 fire services that responded to information requests did not have specialist personal protective equipment for wildfires.

The Suffolk fire and rescue service was among those identified. It dealt with a major fire that spread close to the Sizewell B nuclear power station and destroyed large areas of a protected nature reserve. The supplied data also indicated gaps in training.

In Cleveland, five staff, or 1.2 per cent, were qualified to provide tactical advice or command wildfires. In Cheshire, 8.62 per cent of employees were trained to undertake wildfire operations. Standard respirators may not protect crews from gases such as carbon monoxide in wildfire smoke.

Ordinary protective equipment can also be too hot and heavy, increasing the risk that firefighters will overheat or remove it during an incident. The Fire Brigades Union called for suitable equipment, training and long-term prevention measures. A government spokesperson said wildfire preparedness had become a priority and that ministers were convening a summit with fire and rescue services.

The government also cited £100 million previously provided to upgrade national resilience assets, alongside support for peatland restoration and firebreaks.