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Story summary
- The United Kingdom recorded a wildfire season with 1,350 fires in England and Wales during summer 2026.
- The fires burned 28,299 hectares, the second-highest total on record.
- The government announced a permanent Royal Air Force aerial firefighting capability.
- It pledged up to £45 million for breathable protective gear and £25 million for peatland restoration.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham will host the UK's first wildfire resilience summit on 23 October 2026.