Wildfires in the UK: Causes, risks and why they’re increasing

Extended periods of hot and dry weather, with no rain, are increasing in the UK and with them, the risk of wildfires. In recent years wildfires in the USA, Australia and Europe have been in the news, causing incredible destruction to lives, homes and wildlife. 

According to research by the Met Office and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, there is projected to be a global increase in extreme fires of up to 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050 and 50% by the end of the century. 

Understanding what wildfires are, how they start and spread can help to prevent them happening – keeping families, communities and the environment safe. 

What is a wildfire? 

A wildfire is an uncontrolled, destructive fire that spreads rapidly. They can spread through common UK environments like: 

• woodland 
• moorland 
• heathland 
• grassland 
• farmland 

Wildfires are unpredictable and can change direction, posing a real threat to people, wildlife, property and the environment. They tend to be more common in rural areas but can also break out in urban areas, where a lit cigarette on a small patch of dry grass can be enough to cause a fire.  

Extended periods of hot and dry weather increase the risk of a wildfire everywhere – especially a grassfire. This is because grass becomes very dry and straw-like without rain, and even the smallest of sparks can cause it to burn very quickly.

What causes a wildfire?  

A wildfire can’t start by itself; it relies on a combination of conditions that make it easier for a fire to start and spread. 

According to the Met Office, wildfires depend on three key factors: 

• Available fuel – vegetation like grass, trees or litter. 
• Fire weather conditions - high winds that cause fire to spread, extended period of dry weather. 
• An ignition source – human action or lightning.   

Wildfires are more common in the summer and during periods of extended hot weather because these conditions are more likely to occur together.  

During hot weather:  

• Vegetation is dry and more likely to catch fire and allow it to spread. 
• People spend time outside starting fires/smoking.  

How does a wildfire start? 

Almost all UK wildfires are started by human action, either accidental or deliberately, according to data from the Wildfire risks to UK landscapes report, 2024.  

Cigarettes 

A smouldering cigarette dropped onto the grass – or thrown out of a car window - is very likely to cause a grass fire in dry conditions. Make sure you extinguish cigarettes properly and throw them away when you get home. 

Barbecues and campfires 

Embers from disposable barbeques can be carried by the wind and cause fires. Barbeques can also retain heat after use, so never abandon a disposable barbeque. Always make sure you put it out properly and throw it away. 

For these reasons, the London Fire Brigade has strongly advised against using disposable barbeques during heatwaves, on balconies and on open land during hot weather alerts to help prevent grassfires and wildfires. This applies to London and the rest of the UK. 

Some supermarkets have temporarily stopped selling disposable barbeques to reduce risk during the heatwave. 

Glass bottles and litter 

Glass bottles are another cause of wildfires. They magnify the sun and can spark fires if left in, or near, dry grass. Take them home and recycle them. 

“Every one of us can help reduce the risk of fire and keep our communities clean, make sure rubbish is safely thrown away and cigarettes are always properly disposed of." London Fire Brigade Spokesperson  

Arson, deliberate fire-starting 

Sadly, some wildfires are caused by deliberate fire starting.

The London Fire Brigade service urges parents to inform their children on the risks of starting an outdoor fire, as well as encouraging them not to act recklessly or irresponsibly. 

Why are wildfires becoming more common in the UK? 

According to a Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) briefing on UK wildfire risk, climate change is expected to increase the likelihood of dangerous fire weather in the future. The UK currently experiences wildfire seasons in both spring and summer, although spring seasons have historically been more severe. 

Milder, wetter winters can encourage more vegetation to grow, while hotter, drier weather during spring and summer can dry out grasses, heathland, woodland and other vegetation. Once this vegetation becomes dry, even a small spark can be enough to start a wildfire. 

Research suggests that climate change is likely to increase wildfire risk most strongly during the summer months. Areas of Southeast and Central England are expected to experience some of the greatest increases in dangerous fire weather conditions.

In 2022, when the UK experienced three record-breaking heatwaves, fire services in England recorded at least 24,316 fires between June and August, in comparison to 6,213 during the same period in 2021. With 800 fires alone recorded on the hottest day of that year, 19 July, according to data obtained by PA Media.

Professor Peter Stott, Science Fellow in Climate Attribution at the Met Office Hadley Centre, said: “We can be more confident than we've ever been about linking extreme weather events to climate change. The increasing chances of these extreme events continue to rise as long as we continue to emit greenhouse gases. The science is clear that the faster we reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases, the more we can avoid the most severe impacts of climate change.”  

Where is most at risk of wildfires in the UK?

While wildfires can happen anywhere in the UK, parts of Southeast and Central England are expected to experience the greatest increase in wildfire risk.  

Looking for practical advice? Read our guide on how to prepare for a wildfire, stay safe and recover afterwards.

What is the Fire Severity Index? 

The Fire Severity Index evaluates how severe a fire could become if one was to start under the current weather conditions.  

It is calculated using information such as: 

• Wind speed 
• Temperature 
• Humidity 
• Rainfall
• Drought conditions  

A higher Fire Severity Index means a fire could start more easily, spread more quickly and be more difficult for firefighters to control. 

Wildfire emergency advice

Wildfires can happen anywhere and can start and spread quickly. During periods of hot, dry weather, both urban and rural areas can be at risk.

Whether you're on holiday abroad, visiting the countryside, or at home, it's important to know what to do if a wildfire breaks out and how to stay safe.

Our advice covers:

• What to do if you see a wildfire
• How to help prevent a wildfire from starting
• How to prepare for the threat of wildfires
• What to do if a wildfire is near you

Wildfire emergency advice

How the British Red Cross supports people affected by wildfires

British Red Cross emergency response teams across the UK provide support to emergency services and communities affected by wildfires.

One example was in June 2023, when a large woodland fire broke out near Newcastle International Airport. Hot weather and dry conditions caused the fire to spread rapidly and burn throughout the weekend. More than 50 firefighters attended the incident over several days, and at times the challenging conditions made it difficult to bring the blaze under control.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service requested support from the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army to provide refreshments and welfare support for firefighters working at the scene.

Ken Corbett, Area Manager at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who oversaw the response to the wildfire at Prestwick Nature Reserve in Newcastle, said:

“This was an extremely difficult incident for our firefighters to deal with due to the location of the fire, the availability of resources and the weather.

“When organisations like the British Red Cross offer support by helping to provide food and drinks for firefighters, it really boosts morale during these challenging responses and demonstrates the strength of partnership working between the emergency services and charities.”

Our support extends beyond the UK. Following the wildfires in Rhodes in July 2023, British Red Cross volunteers Liz and Becky were deployed to assist the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Over six days, they provided practical and psychosocial support to British nationals and their families affected by the fires.

They supported a wide range of people, including wedding parties, families with young children, young adults on their first holiday abroad, and people who had lost their belongings as they fled the fires.

Liz, a 65-year-old British Red Cross psychosocial support volunteer, recalled:

“There were people everywhere, lying on the floor. There were probably around 1,100 extra people in that hotel. It was chaos. They were frightened.

“Some had been through terrifying experiences, with the fire so close they could feel the heat on their backs. Some had to run from swimming pools to the beach and into the sea to stay safe.

“It's about acknowledging what has happened to them, listening to their experiences, helping them manage their emotions and supporting them as they move forward. Sometimes, simply being there to listen can make a real difference.”

 How to support communities at risk of wildfires

• Donate to help us prepare for emergencies, respond when wildfires strike and support people as they recover.
• Volunteer to help strengthen community resilience and provide support before, during and after emergencies.
• Learn about wildfire risks and share trusted information with friends, family and your local community.
• Take steps to prevent and prepare for wildfires with advice on reducing risks, staying safe and how to be ready for an emergency.