THE UK Government has failed to provide the aerial water‑bombing support requested by Scottish ministers to tackle the Cairngorms wildfire, instead offering military support including Chinook helicopters and army personnel.
In a statement, the Scotland Office confirmed that a formal request for assistance from the Scottish Government was received on Friday, July 25, prompting discussions between Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, the Ministry of Defence and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting.
However, the First Minister said the UK Government’s offer was unnecessary.
John Swinney said the Scottish Government had requested aerial support to drop water on the fire but was told that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) did not have such equipment.
Instead, the UK Government offered alternative support, with Alexander writing back to Justice Secretary Neil Gray outlining the types of aid London is prepared to offer.
If the Scottish Government asks for it, support could include:
- The deployment of Chinook helicopters to provide logistical support and heavy‑lift capacity over difficult terrain
- Enhanced liaison teams to strengthen the tactical response on the ground
- Personnel from UK standby battalions to increase numbers working directly on the wildfire front
The UK Government stressed that this military capability is available to all nations of the UK, and would sit alongside mutual aid already available from fire services in England and the wider national resilience arrangements.
The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government requested military assistance, in the form of aerial support to drop water on the fire, from the Ministry of Defence to supplement existing aerial resources that are in place.
“We have received a formal response advising that the UK Government are not in a position to agree to this request, given that the Ministry of Defence does not possess aerial firefighting assets stationed within the UK.
“The offer of other resources is welcome but SFRS has confirmed they have the other resources they need.
“Ministers will continue to be updated on the fire, and resources and services will remain until the fire is out.
“As I stated earlier, this wildfire is being treated with the utmost seriousness and necessary resources will be in place until the last flames are out.”
Earlier on Sunday, Scotland’s Justice Secretary said he did not expect to receive military support, saying it was his understanding that the UK military “does not have the capability” that is required for the fire.
More than 500 firefighters have been tackling the blaze, which has raged through Cairngorms National Park for the past 11 days and forced homes to be evacuated in the remote region.
The First Minister asked the UK Government for military aid after residents in the Highland village of Nethy Bridge, about 30 miles south-east of Inverness, were given evacuation orders on Friday night due to the nearby wildfire.
On Saturday night, Police Scotland said the fire is no longer being considered a major incident after work to contain it reduced the risk to nearby communities.
However, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), along with other partners, is still on the ground fighting the large wildfire.
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.
“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."
Streeting added: “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.
“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.”
