Wildfires in early 2025 already exceed 2022 levels

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has reported that fire and rescue services across the UK are under increased pressure due to a sharp rise in wildfires.

According to NFCC, between 1 January and 4 April 2025, a total of 286 wildfires have been recorded by National Resilience data.

This is more than 100 more than the same period in 2022, which marked a record year for wildfire incidents.

Fire and rescue services are maintaining a state of high readiness to manage wildfire events but must do so within their standard operational capacity, with no dedicated funding for wildfire-specific response.

Current wildfire response efforts are being absorbed into core service budgets, which the NFCC says are already strained.

NFCC said dry weather conditions and elevated temperatures are increasing wildfire risks further into May and June.

Climate and weather patterns heighten fire risks

The wildfire increase follows what NFCC describes as a series of weather conditions that raise the likelihood of wildfire outbreaks.

March 2025 was the sunniest on record in England.

April has also seen above-average temperatures and continued dry conditions.

This combination has led to warnings from NFCC and fire and rescue services across multiple UK regions.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “There is no getting away from the fact that climate change is driving increases in extreme weather events, such as wildfires.”

He added: “We are seeing more wildfires for this time of year than we were in 2022, which was a record year for wildfires and that is deeply concerning.”

Lack of dedicated funding and planning support

NFCC reports that the UK’s fire and rescue services receive no protected or ring-fenced funding for wildfire response.

This is creating a challenge for long-term planning and investment, as services are required to absorb increasing demand without additional resource.

Garrigan stated: “Rising resilience threats mean there is an increased demand on fire and rescue services and that has to be met with long term and sustained investment.”

He added: “Wildfires are not a seasonal threat – they are becoming a persistent and growing risk to life, property, and the environment.”

NFCC says inconsistent definitions of wildfires and fragmented data collection are also hindering effective forecasting and policy planning.

NFCC recommendations for improved national response

In its Wildfire Position Statement, NFCC made several recommendations to UK Government departments.

These include calls for a consistent national definition of wildfires, improved data collection, and joint working across departments.

NFCC also recommended a strategic approach to land management and investment in specialist wildfire equipment.

It said national roles supporting wildfire preparedness must be reviewed to ensure appropriate resource levels are maintained.

NFCC reiterated the need for clearer identification of fire sector requirements for national resilience assets and the associated funding.

Garrigan added: “We must adapt and invest now to ensure our services are equipped to meet this challenge.”

Public advice and safety reminders

NFCC has also issued safety guidance to the public in light of the Met Office’s heightened wildfire risk forecasts.

It advised people to avoid using disposable barbecues in open areas and to properly dispose of cigarettes and matches.

The public is encouraged to follow local authority fire guidance and report any suspicious behaviour or incidents of fire immediately.

NFCC reminded people to call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service if a fire is spotted.

It also advised contacting the Police or reporting anonymously to Crimestoppers in cases of suspected deliberate fire setting.

UK wildfire risk increases as NFCC highlights funding and response concerns: Summary

NFCC has warned that wildfire risk in the UK is rising due to dry weather and higher temperatures.

Between 1 January and 4 April 2025, 286 wildfires were recorded.

This exceeds the number reported during the same period in 2022, which had record wildfire activity.

NFCC says fire and rescue services have no dedicated wildfire funding.

Current wildfire responses are being managed within existing budgets.

March was the sunniest on record in England and April has been warmer than average.

NFCC has published recommendations for better national wildfire response.

These include improved data collection, consistent definitions, and funding for specialist equipment.

NFCC urges the UK Government to enable long-term investment in wildfire resilience.

It has also shared public safety advice on avoiding behaviours that increase fire risk.