As wildfire's become more frequent across Wales, we look at what's driving the risk - and why restoring healthy, resilient habitats is an important part of the solution.
5 min read
Wildfires are becoming an increasingly familiar sight across Wales and the UK. Recent fires have damaged important habitats, threatened local communities and placed growing pressure on Fire and Rescue Services and land managers. As these incidents become more frequent, questions are being asked about what is driving the trend and how best to reduce the risk.
There is broad agreement that climate change is increasing wildfire risk. Hotter, drier weather and longer periods without rain are creating conditions in which vegetation becomes more susceptible to burning and fires can spread rapidly. The Met Office warns that rising temperatures and more frequent periods of extreme heat are increasing wildfire risk across the UK.
There is also strong evidence that human activity is the main source of wildfire ignition. Fires can start accidentally through discarded cigarettes, campfires and barbecues, or deliberately through arson and other forms of antisocial behaviour. While climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of fires, most still begin with a human-caused ignition source.
These factors are closely linked. A warming climate creates conditions in which fires spread more easily, while people remain responsible for starting many of them. Reducing wildfire risk therefore means both preventing ignitions and improving our ability to respond when fires occur.
The amount and type of vegetation present can influence how fires behave. However, focusing solely on vegetation levels risks oversimplifying a much more complex issue.
The key question is not simply how much vegetation exists in a landscape, but whether habitats are healthy, functioning and resilient enough to cope with drought, heat and other environmental pressures. Removing vegetation purely to reduce fuel loads could, in some circumstances, undermine other important objectives such as nature recovery, carbon storage, water retention, soil health and flood management.
Many Welsh habitats have been under pressure for decades. Drainage, pollution, habitat fragmentation and changes in land use have weakened ecosystems and reduced their ability to retain water and recover from extreme weather.
Degraded habitats often dry out more quickly during prolonged warm weather, increasing the ecological impact of fires and, in some circumstances, creating conditions that allow fires to spread more readily. This is where nature restoration can play an important role.
Restoring peatlands, wetlands, floodplains, species-rich grasslands and native woodlands can help landscapes retain more water and maintain healthier soils. These habitats are often better able to withstand prolonged dry conditions and recover from environmental stress.
Peatland restoration provides a good example. Natural Resources Wales estimates that around 90% of Wales's peatlands are in poor condition. Rewetting degraded peatlands restores natural water levels, helping to reduce the risk of severe peat fires while also improving water quality, storing carbon and supporting wildlife.
Habitat restoration alone is not enough. Effective wildfire prevention requires a range of measures, including good land management, responsible behaviour in the countryside and targeted action where risks are highest. It also requires a coordinated approach involving Fire and Rescue Services, farmers, conservation organisations, land managers, public bodies and local communities.
Public awareness is critical. People need to understand how quickly fires can develop in dry conditions and the risks associated with activities such as campfires, barbecues and discarded smoking materials. Where irresponsible or deliberate behaviour causes fires, there should be effective enforcement and appropriate consequences.
At the same time, emergency services and land managers must have the resources, training and equipment needed to tackle fires effectively, particularly in remote and upland areas.
Ultimately, this should not be seen as a choice between managing land and restoring nature. Both are essential. As Wales adapts to a warmer and less predictable climate, nature recovery should form part of a wider, joined-up approach to wildfire resilience, alongside good land management, public awareness, responsible behaviour, effective enforcement and a well-resourced emergency response. Together, these measures can help protect people, wildlife and the landscapes we all depend on.
