UK deploys Chinook helicopters and troops to combat Cairngorms wildfire

The UK Government has stated it is ready to deploy Chinook helicopters and standby battalion personnel to help tackle the Cairngorms wildfire, responding to a request for military assistance from the Scottish Government.

Request and Response

The offer follows a request received on Saturday from the Scottish Government for assistance. According to the Scotland Office, the Secretary of State for Scotland has been liaising with the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Secretary on what support could be made available.

Responding to a letter from Scottish Justice Secretary Neil Gray, the Scotland Secretary confirmed that, should the Scottish Government request it, the UK Government would be able to:

• Deploy Chinook helicopters to provide logistical support and heavy-lift capacity
• Provide enhanced liaison support to bolster tactical response
• Offer support from UK standby battalions

The Scotland Office said the resource, available to all nations and regions of the UK, comes in addition to existing arrangements for mutual aid from fire services in England and through the national resilience function.

Official Statements

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said:

"The last 12 days have been extremely challenging for the teams on the ground tackling the wildfire and for those who live and have livelihoods in the area. Scottish Fire and Rescue services and the local community have committed exceptional efforts to trying to get the fire under control and they deserve a wealth of praise and thanks."

He added:

"Since receiving the request for assistance from the Scottish Government, I have worked at speed with the Defence Secretary to establish the resources we can deploy to support the efforts in the Cairngorms."

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said:

"My thoughts are with those who have been affected by the terrible wildfires in the Cairngorms and I pay tribute to the brave emergency services personnel who have been working tirelessly to tackle the blaze."

He added:

"Our Armed Forces are always ready and able to respond to serious situations and Chinook helicopters can be available to provide heavy-lifting capacity, which may be needed given the landscape, and we have UK standby battalion personnel ready to deploy to provide additional numbers on the ground to help bring the wildfire under control. The Ministry of Defence is ready to support in any way we can and we are working closely with teams on the ground."

Background

The response follows the request made by First Minister John Swinney on Saturday, after a further meeting of the Scottish Government's Resilience Room, for military aerial support to supplement the resources already deployed.

The fire broke out on 15 July and residents were evacuated from Nethy Bridge as a wind shift pushed flames towards properties and woodland.

Military Support Framework

Military support to civil emergencies is provided under Military Aid to the Civil Authorities, the standing arrangement through which the armed forces can be called on when a required capability is not otherwise available.

The RAF's Chinook, a heavy-lift helicopter based at RAF Odiham, can carry underslung loads including water buckets, and has previously supported UK flood and wildfire responses where terrain has placed demands beyond civilian resources.