Britain’s military firefighting helicopters cannot help tackle wildfires on home soil because they are all deployed overseas, according to reports. Firefighters across England and Wales have battled more than 200 wildfires in the past two weeks but have been unable to call on specialist aircraft owned or operated by UK authorities.
Suffolk wildfire rages near nuclear plant
Crews continue to fight a major wildfire near a nuclear power station in East Anglia. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident after being called to a blaze at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, shortly after 5.30pm on Wednesday. By late Thursday afternoon, the area affected had grown to 150 hectares—the equivalent of approximately 210 football pitches—with 18 fire engines and more than 100 firefighters at the scene.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to give crews “all the support” they need, but reports suggest the military will not be able to assist.
Chinooks stationed in Cyprus
The military’s aerial firefighting capability is currently deployed to Cyprus, according to The i Paper. Specialist RAF crews and their Chinook helicopters are stationed at RAF Akrotiri, more than 2,000 miles away, as part of a long-standing mission to help Cyprus respond to wildfires on the island. The experts often assist local authorities with blazes during the summer months; last year represented Cyprus’ worst on record for wildfires. Their deployment can be reviewed if needed elsewhere, it is understood.
Scottish government rejected offer
It is said the Scottish government last week rejected an offer from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting to send Chinooks to help stop a wildfire in the Cairngorms. First Minister John Swinney reportedly said this was rejected as it emerged the helicopters would be used to transport equipment and crews, rather than fight the flames directly. “A request was made to the UK Government specifically for ‘aerial water-bombing capability’,” the Scottish government said in a statement. “A response was received that the UK Government was not in a position to agree to this request.”
The MoD declined to comment when approached by The i but referenced a previous statement that it was ready to support fire crews in the Cairngorms and elsewhere in the UK if needed.
