NPAS provides aerial support for emergency responses in West Midlands and Sussex

NPAS rotary and fixed wing crews played a vital role during a major wildfire incident in the West Midlands, providing critical aerial intelligence that helped coordinate resources, protect communities and support the wider multi-agency response. It also played an important role in supporting the police, fire and ambulance services following a major train derailment in East Sussex, with timely scene assessment and infrastructure checks.

How NPAS supported the emergency response to wildfires in the West Midlands

A major wildfire incident began in the West Midlands on Thursday 13th August 2026 centred around Stourbridge, which rapidly escalated as large wildfires spread across multiple locations and into residential areas. The scale of the blaze led to the declaration of a major incident and the evacuation of numerous properties as fire crews worked to contain the flames.

NPAS was tasked to assist West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service, providing an aerial overview of the developing situation, identifying properties that had caught fire, assess the spread of the blaze and determine where fire service resources were required most urgently.

The NPAS crews, from our Birmingham and East Midlands Airport bases, established direct communication with police and fire commanders, ensuring that critical information from the air was relayed quickly to those coordinating the emergency response on the ground.

Enhancing situational awareness

After conducting a rotors-running refuel at Halfpenny Green, the NPAS Birmingham helicopter crew identified an opportunity to further enhance the operational picture. A senior West Midlands Fire Service commander was brought on board the aircraft, allowing direct observation of the wildfire from the air. The fire commander was able to communicate directly with colleagues managing the response on the ground while simultaneously assessing the scale and direction of the fire.

The enhanced situational awareness proved invaluable during a fast-moving incident where every minute counted.

As the incident continued, an NPAS fixed wing crew provided sustained support. The aeroplane was deployed from Gloucestershire Airport to relieve colleagues already on scene. The crew delivered more than two hours of live downlink imagery to Silver Command, highlighting potential flashpoints, vulnerable properties at risk and any attempts to breach established safety cordons.

Supporting firefighting operations through aerial surveillance and thermal imaging

Thermal imaging technology was crucial. Using the aircrafts’ thermal cameras, crews identified remaining hotspots and areas of residual heat in adjoining properties, helping fire crews target lingering risks and prevent further spread.

Throughout the incident, NPAS worked alongside police, fire and other partner agencies to provide a shared operational picture, demonstrating the value of aviation assets in major emergencies.

The response not only showcased NPAS’s ability to support firefighting operations through aerial surveillance and thermal imaging but also highlighted its important role in multi-agency community safety, helping emergency services protect lives, property and local communities.

Aerial assistance following train derailment in East Sussex

NPAS was requested by British Transport Police (BTP) to attend an incident near Lewes on Thursday 13 August 2026 after a passenger train derailed, causing three of its eight carriages to leave the tracks and roll down an embankment. Injuries were reported and major incident procedures had already been activated.

Photo: NPAS

A significant emergency service presence was in place, including fire and rescue crews, ambulance resources and three air ambulances, all working together to manage the incident, treat casualties and secure the area.

On arrival, NPAS crews immediately began assessing the scene from above, providing valuable situational awareness and gathering evidence to support any ongoing investigation, with the aerial viewpoint providing a unique perspective of the derailment, allowing investigators and partner agencies to better understand the scale of the incident and the position of the derailed carriages.

Serving the UK’s wider emergency response capability

The operation highlighted the value of NPAS as part of the UK’s wider emergency response capability. Whether providing live intelligence, supporting investigations, identifying emerging risks or assisting partner agencies with aerial assessments,

NPAS crews regularly contribute to complex and high-profile incidents across the country as part of the UK’s wider emergency response capability. Whether providing live intelligence, supporting investigations, identifying emerging risks or assisting partner agencies with aerial assessments.

The two operations stand as strong examples of how NPAS supports partners across the emergency services network, providing airborne intelligence that enhances decision-making, improves coordination and helps deliver safer outcomes for the public.