It used to be something we watched from afar, dramatic footage of wildfires tearing through forests overseas. But not anymore. In recent years, fires have broken out much closer to home, turning dry grasslands, parks, and even the edges of towns into danger zones. The UK’s hotter, drier summers, fueled by climate change, mean wildfires are no longer rare; they are becoming part of our reality. That’s why having a clear Wildfire Action Plan is no longer optional; it’s essential.

These fires do not just scorch the land. They threaten homes, wildlife, and lives. This is why now, more than ever, we need to be ready to prevent what we can and act quickly when it matters most.

Why wildfires happen and why they are getting worse

When it’s dry, grass and plants lose their moisture and become as flammable as kindling. All it takes is one small spark a dropped cigarette, a disposable barbecue, or even a bit of broken glass catching the sun, to set a fire off.

With climate change causing longer spells of hot, dry weather in the UK, these conditions are happening more often. The risk of fire spreading is no longer something to brush off; it is something to keep in mind, especially during the warmer months.

How to stay one step ahead

If you live near open spaces like fields, parks, or countryside, having a plan can make all the difference. Keep an eye on the weather if it has not rained for a while and temperatures are high, the risk of fire will be higher too.

Think through your household’s emergency plan: If a wildfire got close, where would you go? Who would you need to help? Are your pets ready to come with you? If you are in a rural area, make sure your house name or number is clearly visible from the road so emergency crews can find you quickly if needed.

You can also check the Met Office’s Fire Severity Index online to see the current wildfire risk for your area.

How to help prevent fires in the first place

Most wildfires start because of people, often by accident. A cigarette flicked from a car window, a barbecue left unattended in a park, or even a glass bottle focusing sunlight onto dry grass can all spark dangerous fires.

When you are out enjoying the sun, just be mindful. Avoid lighting fires or barbecues in parks or on dry grass. Always make sure anything burning, from campfires to disposable BBQs, is fully put out before you leave. And never leave them unattended.

Even a dropped match or a lighter left where children can find it can cause real trouble. It is not about being overcautious, it is about knowing how easily a fire can start when the land is dry, and following a simple Wildfire Action Plan to help stop it before it begins

Where are these fires happening?

Fires can happen anywhere, but some parts of the UK are feeling the heat more than others.

The Yorkshire Moors
In dry conditions, they are beautiful but brittle. One fire in 2019 tore through 1,500 hectares.

“The moorland goes up like a box of matches when it is dry,” one firefighter said.

Dorset heathlands
These landscapes are home to rare birds and reptiles. In 2023, a fire near Wareham destroyed over 180 hectares in just a few hours.

“We lost decades of conservation work in one afternoon,” a local volunteer said.

Scotland’s Highlands
A fire in Cannich in 2023 was one of the biggest the UK has ever seen. And this is no longer unusual, firefighters say wildfires are now a seasonal event in Scotland.

London and its outskirts
In Wennington, homes were lost. This was not the countryside, it was London. And it made something clear: wildfires are not just a rural risk anymore.

Spotted a fire? here’s what to do

Whether you are out for a walk, driving, or at home, if you see a fire, stay calm and get somewhere safe. Do not try to put it out yourself.

If outside, move away from smoke and plants. In a car, close the windows and air vents to keep smoke out. Call 999 as soon as it is safe and give them clear details of the location of the fire. What3Words, a postcode, or nearby landmarks can help firefighters find it fast.

If a wildfire approaches your home, gather everyone in a safe room. Close doors and windows, but do not lock them, you might need to get out quickly. Call 999 and explain exactly where you are.

Navigating smoke on the road

If you are on the road and see smoke blowing across, keep your windows and vents closed. Smoke can be hard to breathe and irritate your eyes and throat. If you have asthma or breathing issues, keep your inhaler close and do not hesitate to seek help if symptoms worsen. Call NHS 111 or your GP for advice.

When a fire threatens your home

If you feel unsafe or emergency services tell you to evacuate, leave immediately. Fires move quickly and can block escape routes without warning.

Take pets and animals with you if you can. For bigger animals like horses or livestock, open gates so they can escape. If time allows and it is safe, turn off your gas, move flammable items away from your home, and connect garden hoses for firefighters to use.

What to do if you are trapped

This is a worst-case scenario, but if you are caught outside with fire coming and cannot get away, find a bare patch of ground with little or no plants to burn, preferably surrounded by rocks. Face down, cover yourself with soil if you can, and breathe close to the ground. It is not ideal, but it is your best chance.

Surviving the aftermath: Life beyond the flames

Even after the flames die down, the area can still be dangerous. Smouldering embers, fallen trees, or live wires pose serious risks. Do not go back until fire crews confirm it’s safe.

When cleaning up, wear gloves and keep children away until everything is cool and clear. Be cautious around damaged buildings, they may be unstable. Following a Wildfire Action Plan can help you stay safe, not just during a fire but in the aftermath too.

The final word

Wildfires are becoming a reality in the UK, and we will likely see more in the years ahead. But if we stay informed, act responsibly, and know how to respond, we can keep ourselves and our communities safer.

This is not about panic it is about preparation. It is about small actions that add up to big differences. And it is about looking out for one another.