News — 21 Oct 2026
Wildfire Risk in the UK 2026
The UK recorded over 12,000 wildfire incidents in 2025 — a record high. Prolonged dry spells during spring and summer, combined with historical land management patterns, create serious wildfire conditions across large parts of Scotland, Wales, and northern England. This is no longer a peripheral risk.
2026 risk context
UK wildfire incidents have increased by more than 35% over the past decade, driven by longer dry periods and hotter summers. The spring 2026 season saw significant moorland fires in Scotland and Wales, several of which required multi-day multi-service responses. Wildfire preparedness is now a realistic consideration for rural homeowners in at-risk areas.
UK wildfire risk by region
| Region | Risk level & peak season | Key factors |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highlands and moorlands | Very High (spring) | Dry heather moorland is highly combustible; spring fires (March–May) are the primary season before growing season |
| Yorkshire and Pennine moors | High (spring/summer) | Recurring incidents on Saddleworth Moor and surrounding areas; dry spring conditions compound the risk |
| Welsh uplands and moorlands | High (spring) | Historically significant moorland fire incidents; dry easterly winds in spring create peak conditions |
| Southern England downland (Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset) | High (summer) | Heathland and gorse; summer heatwaves create conditions resembling Mediterranean wildfire risk |
| Northern Ireland uplands | Medium–High (spring) | Blanket bog and moorland; deliberate burning for land management intersects with accidental spread |
| Urban fringe areas (greenbelts, parks) | Medium (summer) | Grass fires near residential areas; risk heightened by dry periods and proximity to structures |
Why UK wildfire risk is growing
Three factors combine to increase UK wildfire risk year-on-year: climate-driven increases in dry days and heatwave frequency; accumulated dead vegetation on upland moorlands that has built up under reduced traditional burning management; and urban expansion onto the rural fringe, increasing the interface between structures and wildfire-prone land. The Saddleworth Moor fire (2018), the Dartmoor fires (2022), and the widespread Scottish moorland fires of 2025 are all consistent with this trend.
What rural homeowners should do now
For homeowners in rural areas adjacent to moorland or heathland, pre-season preparation is more effective than emergency response. Key steps: establish a defensible space by managing vegetation within 10–30 metres of the house; prepare a wildfire go-bag so evacuation can happen within minutes; know your evacuation route and an alternative if the primary route is cut off; and sign up for local fire service alerts. See our defensible space guide, our wildfire go-bag checklist, and our wildfire season readiness article.
Garden fires and wildfire spread
Uncontrolled garden fires and disposable BBQs are a significant source of wildfire ignition on adjacent moorland and dry grassland. During declared high-risk periods, many local councils and fire services issue guidance against any open burning, including garden bonfires. Check your local fire service guidance before lighting any outdoor fire during dry conditions. For general garden fire safety rules, see our garden fire safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ