Wildfires: How can you stay safe and protect the countryside?

This summer has brought some of our hottest days on record, increasing the risk of wildfires.

Most wildfires in the UK are caused by human activity – from littering to leaving a campfire unattended. One small spark can quickly spread into a blaze that threatens the countryside, habitats, homes, and infrastructure, particularly during warm, dry weather.

🔥 So, how can you stay safe this summer?

• Do not light fires in the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas. 
• Only use barbecues in designated areas where they are permitted. 
• Never leave a hot barbecue unattended. Ensure your barbecue is fully put out and make sure ashes are cold before disposing of it.
• Ensure smoking materials are fully stubbed out and disposed of carefully. Never throw cigarette ends from vehicles. 
• Take all rubbish home with you, especially glass bottles, which can focus the sun’s rays and start a fire.
• Follow local guidance and signage, particularly during periods of heightened wildfire risk when access restrictions may be in place. 

🚨 If you see a fire outdoors what should you do?

• Move to a safe location away from the fire. 
• Call 999 immediately, do not assume someone else has already reported it. 
• Wait at a safe, agreed location if requested and provide emergency services with further details. 
• Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself. 
• Do not travel to the area of a wildfire, as this may slow the emergency response. 
• Always follow the advice of emergency services and local authorities, including any instruction to evacuate or stay indoors with windows closed. 

What action is the government taking?

• We’re investing nearly £100 million in the biggest upgrade to national resilience in almost twenty years – helping our fire and rescue services deal with the most complex incidents, from flash floods to wildfires.
• Those on the frontline will benefit from state-of-the-art assets like dedicated off-road vehicles, which can deal with emergencies on our most rural landscapes.
• We’re also trialling wildfire response teams of firefighters highly trained in tactics from other countries which are prone to wildfires, deploying them as needed across England.
• In the longer term, we’re working across government to develop a Wildfire Action Plan to improve resilience, and at a local level, we’re working with fire and rescue services to make sure they have what they need to tackle future risks.