Establish a national fixed-wing aerial wildfire firefighting capability — 9 signatures. Status: rejected.
We want the Government to assess and establish a national aerial wildfire firefighting capability, including fixed-wing waterbombers. Recent UK wildfires demonstrate the growing threat. A rapid national air response could help contain fires, protect communities and reduce damage.
Countries including Canada and Italy routinely deploy fixed-wing waterbombers alongside firefighters and helicopters. Canada is currently expanding its national aerial firefighting fleet in response to increasing wildfire risk. The UK has no equivalent national capability, relying largely on locally arranged aircraft. With record wildfire levels and recent major fires in the New Forest and Midlands, now is the time to assess whether a similar capability would improve UK resilience.
View this petition on the official UK Parliament website