UK wildfire risk intensifies as NFCC calls for long-term resilience strategy
Tom Austin-Morgan
Share this content
Fire and Rescue Services across the UK are facing sustained wildfire pressure as prolonged dry weather, extreme temperatures and increasingly complex incidents place renewed focus on prevention, preparedness and investment.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has warned that wildfire risk is developing faster than the UK’s collective capacity to respond, with climate change, prolonged heat and changing land use contributing to fires that are more frequent, larger and increasingly complex.
The warning comes during the fifth heatwave of the summer, with drought conditions and exceptionally dry ground allowing fires to ignite and spread rapidly. While wildfires pose an immediate threat to the natural environment, the impact can become more severe when flames reach the urban fringe and threaten homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Recent incidents have highlighted the scale of the challenge. In Stourbridge, West Midlands, a major grass fire affected 37 properties, destroying 19 and causing substantial damage to a further 18. Other properties have also been affected in Sandwell, Stoke-on-Trent and Pershore.
NFCC: wildfire risk is “growing faster” than response capacity
Phil Garrigan, chair of the NFCC, said the latest fires had caused major disruption and distress for affected communities.
“Our thoughts are with those families and communities who’ve been affected by these devastating fires,” Garrigan stated. “Losing a home and/or treasured possessions or being forced to leave your community is a traumatic experience that can have a lasting impact.”
Garrigan also recognised the efforts of firefighters, Control Room teams and support staff who continue to work in challenging conditions to protect life, property and the environment.
“Recent incidents have demonstrated how rapidly fires can spread and how the threat is evolving,” Garrigan explained. “Wildfires are no longer confined to remote rural areas. Increasingly, they’re threatening homes, businesses and critical infrastructure as they move from open land into urban and suburban communities.”
The NFCC has welcomed the Government’s recent investment in specialist wildfire capabilities, as well as the Prime Minister’s decision to convene COBR in response to current conditions. However, the council said sustained and enhanced investment is needed to keep pace with the escalating risk.
“Our new reality is that risk is growing faster than our collective capacity to respond,” Garrigan commented. “Climate change, prolonged periods of extreme heat and changing land use are creating more frequent, larger and more complex wildfires. We must ensure that investment is not only sustained, but enhanced if we are to keep pace with the risks facing our communities.”
Long-term wildfire strategy urged for UK Fire and Rescue Services
The NFCC is calling for a long-term wildfire strategy that reflects the changing nature of emergencies facing the UK. It says this should include continued investment in firefighters, specialist wildfire teams, training, equipment and national capabilities, including a dedicated aerial firefighting capability.
“The cost of preparedness will always be less than the cost of recovery,” Garrigan said. “We must act now to ensure Fire and Rescue Services have the resources required to protect communities from increasingly severe and complex wildfire events.”
The council also emphasised the role of public behaviour in reducing wildfire risk, noting that many incidents are preventable.
“At a time when firefighters are responding to multiple major incidents across the country, the most effective action anyone can take is to avoid activities that could ignite a fire,” Garrigan outlined.
He added: “Every wildfire prevented is a home protected, a family spared the heartbreak of losing treasured possessions and firefighters freed to respond to other emergencies. Public vigilance and responsible behaviour are every bit as important as any piece of equipment in helping us to tackle this growing threat.”
Stourbridge grass fire destroys 19 properties
West Midlands Fire Service was alerted to a significant grass fire at Stourbridge Golf Course at around 1.30 pm on 13 August. At the height of the multi-agency response, more than 100 firefighters, 30 fire engines and at least 11 specialist teams were at the scene.
The fire spread rapidly across approximately 500 acres and affected 37 properties. Nineteen properties were destroyed, while a further 18 sustained substantial damage.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Specialist fire investigators are working to establish the circumstances.
Macclesfield Forest wildfire linked to disposable barbecue
The scale and complexity of the wildfire challenge was also illustrated at Macclesfield Forest, where a six-day operation involving Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies concluded shortly after 4.15 pm on 27 July.
The incident began on 21 July, with firefighters tackling a large woodland and grass fire across difficult terrain and in challenging conditions. At its peak, crews worked alongside Cheshire Police, United Utilities and forest volunteers to prevent the fire spreading further.
Specialist wildfire firefighters used beaters, water backpacks, hose reel jets, thermal imaging cameras, drones and an all-terrain vehicle. A United Utilities helicopter also supported operations with repeated water drops over affected areas.
Firefighters remained at the scene around the clock, monitoring conditions, identifying hotspots and working to prevent further flare-ups. The remote location and difficult terrain required a carefully co-ordinated and sustained multi-agency response.
An investigation during the incident identified a discarded disposable barbecue as the most probable cause of the fire.
The recent incidents underline the changing nature of wildfire risk in the UK. As extreme heat and prolonged dry weather become increasingly significant considerations for Fire and Rescue Services, prevention, preparedness and long-term investment will be central to protecting people, property and the wider environment.