UK wildfires: causes and prevention

Extreme weather, caused by climate change, is increasing the scale, intensity, and frequency of wildfires both in the UK and globally. In this article, we share how they start, the effects they can have, and ways we can work together to prevent them. 

A wildfire is an unplanned and uncontrolled fire that spreads through vegetation, often burning precious habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, shrubs and peatland. They are unpredictable and can be difficult to extinguish.

Climate change means that in the UK, and around the world, we’re seeing more extreme weather. The Met Office says increasing temperatures are causing more extreme heat events such as heatwaves. Record-breaking high temperatures are becoming more frequent, long-lasting and intense. This extreme weather is increasing the “scale, intensity and frequency of wildfires” all over the world.    
 
Recent research by the Met Office suggests there is an increasing risk of “hazardous fire weather conditions” in the summer in the UK, and possibly early autumn. It says that wildfires here should be considered an “emergent risk”, and action needs to be taken to manage this.   
 
While warm weather increases the risk of a fire, most of the time, the spark that starts a wildfire is linked to activity by people.

In May 2023, we saw firsthand the damage that wildfire can do when a blaze destroyed around half of RSPB Corrimony in the Highlands, Scotland. The fire devastated the homes of wildlife such as Black Grouse and Scottish Crossbill at a key time of year and 25 years of recreating and restoring native Caledonian forest went up in smoke.   

Wildfire also destroyed vital wildlife habitat in the Peak District, on land managed by the RSPB and National Trust, as part of the Eastern Moors Partnership. The fire engulfed parts of Burbage Moor and the Lady Cannings Plantation, with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Eastern Moors ranger team, National Trust rangers and the Peak District National Park ranger team working together to put out the blaze. 

• Looking to dine alfresco? Avoid using disposable barbecues and pack a pre-prepared picnic to accompany you on your travels.  

• Any campfires or barbecues should only be lit in designated places where it is safe to do so. If you’re visiting a nature reserve, then please note that barbecues and campfires are not permitted on RSPB England nature reserves.  

• If you’re visiting an RSPB reserve, then grab a bite to eat in one of our cafés. You’ll be saved from carrying any extra baggage while you’re outdoors enjoying nature, plus you’ll reduce the risk of causing any disturbance. You’ll also be supporting conservation while you eat — the money generated from our cafés goes straight back into saving nature.     

• If the weather is suitable and you want to cook, wherever possible, use a stove rather than light an open fire.   

• Remember to leave no trace when enjoying your meal in nature. Make sure you take your litter home along with any food waste. Food waste can cause harm to our resident wildlife, while litter can cause fires to spread. You can help further by litter-picking any debris left by others.  

• Don’t throw cigarettes on the ground, and ensure they are fully put out before you put them in the bin. When visiting a reserve, smokers are asked to take extra care when smoking and to extinguish cigarettes in a safe manner.  

• Keep glass objects out of direct sunlight, as the glare can start fires.  

• If you see a fire on an RSPB reserve or in the surrounding countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service on 999. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident. Know where you are, apps like What3Words can help with this.