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Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 10 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Louise Sandher-Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 17 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Armed Forces: Fire and Rescue Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of deploying military personnel to support the Fire Service in wildfire fighting capability.

Answer

Through Military Aid to the Civil Authorities, Defence can bolster civilian responders and help protect communities. Deploying military personnel can give Fire and Rescue Services additional capacity to carry out general duties, logistics and transport tasks when the Fire Service are under significant pressure.

In August 2026, Defence deployed 200 Service personnel to support South West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. This included transporting water and clearing vegetation, allowing firefighters to focus their efforts on containing and extinguishing the fire.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28977
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Armed forces Fire and rescue services Fires
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk