Scotland to put helicopters on standby for wildfire risk

The Scottish Government has announced that helicopter resources will be placed on standby during periods of heightened wildfire risk. This decision follows the Cairngorms wildfire, which burned approximately 10 square miles of moorland and forestry near Aviemore.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray informed the Scottish Parliament that while the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) requested military assistance during the blaze, the government was informally aware that the UK military lacked specific aerial firefighting assets. Gray stated the request was made to explore every possible option for support.

Moving forward, the government aims to improve aerial support availability through potential four-nation collaboration and military engagement. Gray also emphasized the need for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to work with Scotland to manage the increased wildfire risks driven by climate change.