Command and control arrangements provided an effective framework to manage a complex, large-scale and protracted incident. A clear structure through SCG, TCG and incident ground command supported the successful delivery of strategic priorities, including the protection of life, property and critical national infrastructure.

Decision making was supported by Wildfire Tactical Advisors (WTA) and specialist input, with SMEAC briefings and structured tactical advice providing increasing assurance as the incident developed. The response was further supported by the establishment of a number of specialist multi-agency cells, which provided additional capacity, coordination and specialist expertise.

On scene situational awareness was established early in the incident, despite a range of challenges including limited access, a lack of detailed pre-existing intelligence, communication limitations such as poor mobile phone and Wi-Fi coverage, and the dispersed nature and pace of fire development. To help overcome these constraints, additional measures were introduced, including the use of aerial capabilities such as drones with thermal imaging and Starlink, a satellite based communications system that provided reliable internet connectivity in areas with limited or no conventional network coverage.

Managing a large and geographically dispersed incident area required sustained focus on control of the incident ground. Multiple access points, difficult terrain and heightened public interest placed pressure on outer cordon* arrangements; however, these were strengthened through the multi-agency framework, supported by enhanced signage and coordinated media messaging.

Overall, the Incident Command Unit functioned well throughout the incident, with crews assigned to the unit performing to a high standard, whilst also identifying some areas for improvement and learning.

The scale and duration of the incident, combined with the volume of briefings and number of partner agencies involved, placed pressure on the unit’s capacity to support both command functions and large multi-agency briefing activity. To address this, a portacabin was established on scene, which proved highly effective and should be considered as part of future arrangements for prolonged and complex incidents.

The prolonged nature of the incident also impacted the availability of staff trained to operate the Command Unit, limiting opportunities for rest and recuperation. As a result, there were periods where the unit was crewed by staff with more limited familiarity of its full functionality, which at times affected the level of support that could be provided.

As the incident progressed situational awareness and coordination improved through enhanced arrangements, including setting up multiple Forward Control Points, which strengthened coordination, logistics and control.

The Strategic Holding Area (SHA) enhanced relief planning, enabling local crews to obtain much needed rest and recuperation.

Whilst the volume, frequency and consistency of handovers, briefings and reporting required careful management throughout the incident, the introduction of enhanced electronic documentation, including end of shift summaries, electronic Analytical Risk Assessments (ARAs) and shared mapping hosted on Microsoft Teams, strengthened situational awareness both on and off scene. This improved continuity and alignment across command levels through increased real-time access to information and is recognised as positive learning to be carried forward into future practice.

The scale and duration of the incident required a high degree of flexibility within command arrangements. Officers undertook multiple operational and functional roles, with a high frequency of incident meetings alongside onscene operational demand demonstrating significant adaptability and commitment. However, the sustained nature of this demand at times impacted welfare and created challenges in maintaining clear separation between tactical and operational responsibilities, particularly during periods of heightened activity.

This demand also fed into Operational Assurance. While the Service has established operational assurance arrangements, dedicated on-scene monitoring was limited during this incident due to its scale and the associated resource demands. Officers who would typically undertake this function where required to fulfil multiple roles across command, coordination and wider organisational responsibilities.

However, assurance was provided through the use of Wildfire Tactical Advisors and the check and challenge processes within multi-agency Strategic Coordinating Groups (SCG) and Tactical Coordinating Groups (TCG).

*Outer cordon – The outer cordon defines the wider controlled perimeter around an incident area. It is used to manage public access, maintain safety, support traffic management and enable effective multi-agency coordination, while allowing inner operational areas to be managed safely and without interference.

• What Worked Well
  Clear and effective command structure
  • Strong use of Tactical Advisors and structured SMEAC briefings to support decision-making
  • Ability to adapt command arrangements as the incident escalated, including re-sectorisation and repositioning
  • Introduction of Forward Control Points and the Strategic Holding Area (SHA), significantly improving coordination and control
  • Effective use of electronic documentation and shared platforms to enhance
  situational awareness and continuity
  • High levels of flexibility and adaptability demonstrated by officers and
  command teams
  • Operational assurance maintained through WTA input and structured SCG/
  TCG challenge processes.

Learning Opportunities

• Consider building additional physical capacity (e.g. portable briefing and
  command facilities) into standard arrangements for prolonged and complex
• Improve resilience within Incident Command Unit staffing
• Review officers undertaking multiple operational and functional roles simultaneously
• Strengthen the resilience of on scene operational assurance arrangements
• Continue to embed and modernise the use of technology and digital platforms to support situational awareness, coordination and continuity during large scale incidents.