Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the preparedness of fire and rescue services for an anticipated increase in wildfires and other extreme weather events.

Fire and rescue services have responded to an exceptionally challenging period of wildfire activity this summer, with multiple significant incidents being managed simultaneously across England and Wales, peaking in July and August.

The Government continues to work closely with the National Chiefs Council and fire and rescue services to assess lessons from recent incidents and strengthen preparedness, including through a Wildfire Summit in the Autmn.

MHCLG has recently announced a £97 million investment to upgrade National Resilience assets and equipment. Part of this funding includes a pilot of a national wildfire response capability with specialist firefighters, equipment and training positioned across England to support Fire and Rescue Services during major incidents.