The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is urging the public to take extra care as the Met Office warned of heightened wildfire risk across most of England and Wales, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland. The warning comes as warm temperatures, and dry conditions are forecast for the remainder of the week. Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) have responded to 250 wildfire incidents so far in 2025; these which are recorded on the National Resilience (NR) reporting tool.  

2024 was a wet year which meant wildfire numbers were lower and in the first part of 2024, up to 1 April, NR recorded only 13 wildfires. However, the 2024 conditions led to an accumulation of vegetation which can provide more fuel for fires to develop. 

Dry conditions, strong easterly winds and increased temperatures are currently contributing to a heightened wildfire risk, making it very important that individuals and communities act responsibly. 

We are still inside the permitted burn season in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, so care is needed when carrying out prescribed burning activities. 

Even small actions can have devastating consequences, with wildfires spreading rapidly and placing people, property, and wildlife in danger so it’s important for the public to be Wildfire Aware. 

Most wildfires in the UK are caused by human activity, including leisure activities and deliberate acts, but the impact of climate change increases the risk and severity of wildfires.  

We are seeing wildfires starting earlier in the season and typically lasting longer due to prolonged higher temperatures than the historic average.  

Wildfires have traditionally been limited to primarily rural areas of the UK, but we are increasingly finding that wildfires can now occur almost anywhere in the country, including crossing into the rural urban interface such as those we saw in London and many other parts of the country in the summer of 2022.  

 

Public Safety Advice: 

• Avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas. 

• Do not discard cigarettes, matches, or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation. 

• Follow local authority guidance on fire risks and restrictions. 

• If you notice any suspicious behaviour or see someone intentionally starting a fire, contact the Police immediately or report the information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If there is a fire, call 999 immediately. 

• Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire and Rescue Service. 

NFCC Wildfire Lead, Jon Charters, said:
“Wildfires have a devastating impact on communities, wildlife, and the environment. With the current conditions, we are urging the public to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of fires starting. Many of these incidents are preventable, and we need everyone to play their part in keeping our countryside and open spaces safe.” 

ENDS 

Taken from National Resilience wildfire data, wildfire recorded on this system meet the Operational Guidance definition of wildfire which can be found in NFCC’s wildfire position statement Wildfires position statement – NFCC