Fire Chiefs' Heather Burning Advice Left Unanswered: Parliamentary Questions, 19–25 October 2026
Quick summary
Defra did not say whether fire chiefs still stand by their May 2025 warning on burning rules.
Wildfires will not get their own category in fire service incident data, MHCLG confirmed.
MHCLG and Defra are developing a cross-government Wildfire Action Plan through joint governance arrangements.
The HSE recommended no lead ammunition derogation for historic firearms, Defra told an MP.
Between 19 and 25 October, ministers answered 12 Commons written questions relevant to moorland management, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Cabinet Office. Eleven concerned wildfire.
For moorland, the answer that mattered came from Defra. Asked whether the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has withdrawn its May 2025 advice on the heather burning regulations, the minister did not say.
Wildfire and fire management
MHCLG, which the Cabinet Office called the lead government department for wildfires, answered half the week's questions. Defra took those on the burning regulations and cross-government strategy.
Burning regulations
Richard Holden (Conservative, Basildon and Billericay) asked whether the NFCC has withdrawn its May 2025 advice that the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations could increase danger to firefighters and the public.
Defra minister Jenny Riddell-Carpenter replied on 19 October that the NFCC's consultation response "was considered, alongside a range of responses", and that "we engaged with NFCC following their response".
Strategy and the summit
Joe Morris (Labour, Hexham) put three questions to Defra and MHCLG. Defra told him "strategic decision making across Government departments and public bodies is critical on wildfire", and that it is "working closely with fire and rescue services, land managers and local authorities".
On his question about a national wildfire strategy, MHCLG minister Florence Eshalomi said joint governance arrangements between MHCLG and Defra are informing a cross-government Wildfire Action Plan.
Sir Julian Smith (Conservative, Skipton and Ripon) asked when the National Wildfire Summit would be held. In a reply dated 22 October, Florence Eshalomi said "it is due to take place on Friday 23rd October in Merseyside".
Dr Luke Evans (Conservative, Hinckley and Bosworth) asked about MHCLG's recent conversations with fire and rescue authorities after the September wildfires. The reply set out the summit's agenda: reducing risk, preparedness, frontline response and community resilience.
Firefighting capacity and data
Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative, Huntingdon) asked which national wildfire response assets sit in Cambridgeshire and the East of England. None are based there, MHCLG said, but the capability can be deployed to the region.
The answer said "The capability consists of six teams of specialist firefighters", based in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Northumberland, London and South Wales. Five locations are named for six teams.
Caroline Voaden (Liberal Democrat, South Devon) asked who decides whether privately owned woodland is a wildfire risk to nearby homes. Fire and rescue authorities assess it, MHCLG replied, working with local authorities and landowners.
Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat, Henley and Thame) got the same MoD answer to two questions. Louise Sandher-Jones said military help is available through Military Aid to the Civil Authorities, but "not all are held at readiness specifically for domestic wildfire response".
Joe Morris also asked whether wildfires will get a dedicated category in the Incident Recording System. No, said Florence Eshalomi. Version 2 of the Fire and Rescue Data Platform will identify wildfires from data recorded across all incidents.
Gamebird management and shooting
According to Defra, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommended some derogations where lead ammunition has been restricted.
Dr Luke Evans asked for Defra's assessment of the European Commission's proposed derogation for historic firearms, including muzzle-loaders. Defra minister Emma Hardy said the HSE's derogations covered elite athletes and some outdoor ranges, and "No derogations were recommended for historic firearms."
What ministers did not answer
NFCC advice on burning. Defra did not say whether the NFCC has withdrawn its May 2025 advice.
European Commission derogation. Defra gave no assessment of the Commission's proposal and described the HSE's recommendations instead.
Talks with fire and rescue authorities. MHCLG did not describe any conversations with fire and rescue authorities.
Floods and extreme weather. Asked about preparing for more requests for help with floods, wildfires and other extreme weather, the MoD answered on wildfires only.
Response modelling. The Cabinet Office did not say whether it has modelled how quickly government responds to wildfires and flooding.
Also answered this week
Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat, Twickenham) on Cabinet Office modelling of wildfire and flood response times: Dan Jarvis (Cabinet Office) said it works with MHCLG and Defra to monitor emerging risks.
Coming up
These questions were tabled during the week and are still awaiting an answer.
David Chadwick (Liberal Democrat, Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) has asked Defra how it is monitoring the effect of the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations on carbon emissions from controlled burning and wildfire.
Rebecca Smith (Conservative, South West Devon) has asked Defra whether National Park Authorities' Integrated Wildfire Management Plans will include, among other things, quantified targets for reducing vegetation fuel loads.
James Cartlidge (Conservative, South Suffolk) has asked MHCLG whether it will publish a Wildfire Strategy and Action Plan for England with fuel load reduction targets.
David Chadwick has asked Defra whether the cross-government Wildfire Action Plan will be published by the end of 2026.
James Cartlidge has asked MHCLG what support fire and rescue authorities have for wildfires caused or made worse by excess vegetation.
