Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has become one of just six National Wildfire teams after a spell of "extensive specialist training". It means fire crews can be deployed throughout England and Wales during periods of heightened wildfire risk.
It comes as the risk of wildfires in the UK remains high following a spell of exceptionally dry weather. Bosses at the fire service have said parts of the county are "particularly vulnerable" to wildfires with Hexham ranked the seventh most at risk area in the country, according to data from the Moorland Association.
Vulnerable Landscapes and Public Warnings
Extensive areas of moorland, heathland and forestry are naturally particularly vulnerable to wildfires, particularly during prolonged spells of warm, dry weather. Signs are up at many of the county's country parks and other public spaces urging residents and visitors to avoid potentially dangerous activities such as campfires and barbecues.
The training was funded by the Government through the National Resilience Programme. It forms part of a wider national effort to improve resilience as wildfires increase in scale, complexity and frequency.
Pride and Preparedness
Rob Stacey, Wildfire Team Leader at the fire service, said: "We are incredibly proud that Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has been selected as one of the national wildfire response teams.
"As wildfire risk continues to grow, this investment in specialist training, equipment and national coordination will strengthen our ability to protect communities, critical infrastructure and the environment both in Northumberland and across the country. Our firefighters have played an active role in helping to develop this capability, and we are pleased to support a stronger national response to wildfire incidents."
NFRS personnel have undertaken advanced training both in the UK and internationally, gaining experience in specialist firefighting techniques and sharing best practice with partner agencies from around the world. Crews have travelled as far as Texas and South Africa as part of the scheme.
Advanced Skills and International Experience
Chief Fire Officer Keith Carruthers added: "Wildfires present increasingly complex challenges for fire and rescue services, requiring specialist skills, strong partnerships and the ability to adapt to changing risks. The knowledge and experience our personnel have gained through this programme will help us make informed decisions in demanding operational environments and work even more effectively alongside partner agencies.
"Being part of the National Wildfire Team network also enables Northumberland to contribute its expertise to a coordinated national response wherever it is needed."
The training has equipped NFRS teams with advanced operational skills, including tactical burning, rural-urban firefighting strategies and enhanced multi-agency working, further strengthening the service's ability to respond quickly, safely and effectively to wildfire incidents. The new capability has already been put into action. In July 2026, NFRS was deployed four times to support Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service at the significant wildfire incident at Tintwistle.
Commitment to Public Safety
Coun Gordon Stewart, Fire Authority Chair and Northumberland County Council's cabinet member for public safety, said: "This investment demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring fire and rescue services are equipped to meet emerging risks. By supporting specialist capabilities and national resilience, it will help ensure communities are better protected and services can continue to respond effectively when they are needed most."
Elsewhere in Europe, firefighters have been battling devastating wildfires in France, Spain and Greece amid soaring temperatures. Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes.
