Wildfires

Drawing on recent reports and research, we explore how the financial burden of wildfires is calculated and what figures we might anticipate under future conditions.

A new research report by the Moorland Association reveals that wildfires have already cost the UK over £350 million this year - with more dry months still to come.

The Guardian’s recent article highlights the growing global threat posed by uncontrolled wildfires and the devastating scale of smoke pollution now affecting human health.

Recent weeks have seen a notable increase in wildfire incidents across the UK, highlighting the significant risks posed by warm, dry weather coupled with an excess fuel load in the form of vegetation which has not been controlled due to red-tape.

A new tool has been launched by the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation to help land managers, emergency services and the public better understand and respond to wildfire threats in the uplands.

Another spate of wildfires over the weekend, including one that has destroyed 12,500 acres of land on Dartmoor, highlights the growing concern over the risk of wildfires as dry conditions persist.

Hot spotting is the process of pouring a huge amount of water onto smouldering ground fires - often peat soils that have been ignited by slow burning fine fuels very close to the ground.

Ever wondered what it's like on a moorland fire? It's hot, smokey, noisy, scary, dehydrating, energy zapping and sometimes dangerous.

This video taken by a gamekeeper shows the difference between wildfires and controlled burns on moorland.

The BBC has recently reported that the risk of wildfire is increasing across England’s countryside, prompting urgent calls for action to protect landscapes, wildlife, and rural communities.

A devastating wildfire burned 100 acres on Easter Sunday - controlled burning helped contain it. Those who are against burning may want to read this.

Defra must be congratulated on its commitment to protecting our uplands, yet its actions are resulting in them going up in flames.

Since we are experiencing our worst year for wildfires and scientists are predicting climate change to increase these fourfold it’s astonishing that government policy is making the situation even worse, through rapidly increasing the vegetation fuel load.

We recently sent a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister, who is now responsible for handling the urgent threat of wildfire, highlighting how Government policies are exacerbating the problem.

The past few days have witnessed a stark and worrying increase in wildfire incidents across the United Kingdom.

Have you ever wondered what effect poor government policy can have on rural landscapes? Look no further.

The Moorland Association are quoted in this excellent piece by Maureen Hodges on the massive wildfire risk in The Cumberland News.

Before heading to a site with a wildfire, moorland managers should carefully assess several critical factors.

Explore the latest heather burning consultation updates. Learn about proposed restrictions on heather burning - have your say before 25 May

This blog provides guidance on when you can act without prior authorisation from Natural England.