UK Wildfires: A Nation Under Threat

The past few days have witnessed a stark and worrying increase in wildfire incidents across the United Kingdom. Unusually dry conditions for this time of year, coupled with rising temperatures and increased fuel load have created a tinderbox landscape ripe for ignition.

Fire and rescue services are being stretched to their limits as they battle blazes in various regions, highlighting not just a seasonal concern but a growing national threat that demands immediate attention from policymakers.

A Spate of Wildfires Across the Nation

The sheer number and scale of wildfires erupting across the UK in recent days paint a concerning picture. From the Midlands to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the landscape has been scarred by flames, demanding significant resources and posing serious risks.

Leicestershire: Bardon Hill

The ordeal at Bardon Hill in Coalville, Leicestershire, serves as a stark reminder of the persistence of these fires. Firefighters were initially called to a wildfire on Wednesday at around 20:00 and managed to put it out hours later. However, the blaze, which had spread across 2,691 sq ft (250 sq m) of peat, reignited on Thursday night.

Even days later, on Saturday, crews remained at the scene monitoring several pockets of heat and potential fire. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service indicated that due to the peat and the nature of the fire, they anticipated a continued presence for possibly days.

At the height of the incident, six fire engines, a water carrier, a fogging unit, and the command vehicle were deployed. Residents nearby were warned to keep their windows and doors closed on Thursday night. The cause of the Bardon Hill fire has not yet been established.

Pennines: Dove Stone Reservoir, Oldham

In the North West, firefighters tackled a wildfire on the moors above Dove Stone Reservoir in Oldham. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) reported that the blaze started at 19:30 on Sunday.

The fire grew to nearly 500ft (150m) wide and more than 300ft (100m) high before it was extinguished after approximately five hours. A large plume of smoke was visible for miles.

Staffordshire: Gentleshaw Common

Further south, a significant wildfire took hold at Gentleshaw Common near Burntwood, Staffordshire, on Friday night, affecting three acres of land. Crews from multiple fire services, including West Midlands Fire Service, responded to the incident, and residents nearby were urged to stay indoors.

The fire was extinguished by around midnight, but firefighters returned on Saturday for damping down and inspections, with some expected to remain for further checks.

Fire chiefs are investigating the cause of the blaze and have issued advice to prevent further occurrences, particularly highlighting the dangers of bonfires, disposable BBQs, and discarded cigarettes during drier months.

Highlands: Stac Pollaidh and Galloway Forest Park, Scotland

Scotland has been particularly hard hit by wildfires. A major blaze began in the Glen Trool area of the Galloway Forest Park on Thursday and spread to Loch Doon in East Ayrshire.

Firefighters worked through the night to tackle this large fire. Helicopters were deployed over the weekend to water-bomb the flames. Five groups of walkers were located on the hills on Friday night and moved to safety. The Scottish government stated on Sunday evening that the fire was "under control".

However, Police Scotland indicated on Monday afternoon that a number of areas, including Merrick, Millmore, and Macaterick, were still affected, and the public should continue to avoid them.

Simultaneously, in the Highlands, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews battled a wildfire at Stac Pollaidh in Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool. Heavy smoke resulted in the closure of the A835 road.

Five fire engines were at the scene on Monday, and people were advised to stay away. The A835 has since reopened. These incidents occurred amidst a "very high" to "extreme" risk of wildfire across Scotland due to dry and sunny weather.

Warwickshire

In North Warwickshire, a "huge wildfire" tore through country land off Church Road in Dordon on Sunday. Firefighters from Atherstone, Nuneaton, and Polesworth used over 200 metres of hose, beaters, and Aqua Backpacks to tackle the "fierce orange flames" that sent acrid smoke into the air. Fortunately, they managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes. The cause of this fire is also under investigation.

Wales: Gwynedd and Bridgend

Wales has also experienced a surge in wildfire activity. In Gwynedd, a massive forest wildfire damaged 350,000 square metres of rural land in Beddgelert Forest after it is believed to have started in bushes on an embankment beside a railway line on Saturday afternoon. At least 30 firefighters from across North Wales were deployed, and the car park in Beddgelert Forest was closed for public safety. Firefighters continued to inspect the damage on Sunday morning.

Another significant wildfire raged near Bryngarw Country Park in Bridgend on Saturday night. South Wales Police warned local residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke and asked the public to avoid the area to facilitate firefighting efforts. The fire created an orange glow visible for miles and resulted in thick smoke and ash in the area.

Further wildfire activity in Wales saw a road closed in Gwynedd as a specialist unit was brought in to tackle a grass fire near Blaenau Ffestiniog on Sunday afternoon. Multiple fire crews were dispatched to the scene at Tanygrisiau, and the A496 road was closed. This followed the large fire in nearby Beddgelert and other grass fires in South Wales.

Northern Ireland: Mourne Mountains

Northern Ireland has faced an overwhelming number of wildfires, particularly in the Mourne Mountains area. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported dealing with 146 wildfires since midnight on Thursday.

A major incident was declared at the weekend due to a large gorse fire near the Mourne Mountains, leading to home evacuations; this blaze is being treated as arson.

Firefighters continued to battle two significant wildfires on Monday – one at Bloody Bridge near Newcastle and another at Silent Valley. There were also wildfires in the Ben Crom area and involving forestry in Dervock, County Antrim.

The Bloody Bridge fire was considered to have the potential to impact Slieve Donard. With no water access at the Bloody Bridge fire, firefighters were physically beating out the flames. Drones were deployed to monitor the area.

The environmental impact of these fires has been described as "significant," with hundreds of acres of protected land destroyed. A national hazards management yellow wildfire warning remains in place across Northern Ireland.

Dorset: Upton Heath

Drone footage revealed the extensive devastation caused by a wildfire at Upton Heath in Poole, which started shortly before midnight on Wednesday. More than 126 acres (51 hectares) of the reserve, internationally recognized for its rare wildlife, were destroyed.

The fire occurred at a "crucial time" for nesting birds and breeding reptiles. Teams were actively working to save reptiles and other creatures from the affected area.

Cumbria: Multiple Blazes

During a day of dry and sunny weather, several wildfires broke out across Cumbria. A fire at Walney Island spread "quickly" in the grass and gorse at the back of a golf club on Saturday afternoon but was brought under control in about two hours, though hotspots remained.

Witnesses also reported fires further up the coast between Whitehaven and Sellafield, causing disruption to train services. Another wildfire was seen close to the rail line at Nethertown, with multiple plumes of smoke reported along the coastline.

Fires were also spotted near St Bees. Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service had issued warnings earlier in the week urging responsible behavior to reduce wildfire risk.

A National Pattern of Risk

The multitude of wildfire incidents detailed above, spanning from the south coast of England to the Scottish Highlands and across to Northern Ireland and Wales, clearly demonstrates that this is not a localized issue but a national pattern of increasing wildfire risk.

These events, concentrated within a short period, highlight the vulnerability of various landscapes to ignition and rapid spread under the prevailing dry and often breezy conditions.

The repeated calls for residents to close windows and doors due to smoke, the deployment of significant firefighting resources across different regions, and the investigations into the causes of these blazes all point to a serious and escalating threat.

The fact that some fires, such as the one in the Mourne Mountains, are being treated as arson adds another layer of complexity and concern.

Urgent Action Required

The recent surge in wildfires across the UK demands an urgent and coordinated response on multiple fronts.

Policymakers

Must listen to land managers and national fire chiefs who are calling for Natural England to change their policy on restricting controlled burning of vegetation in order to reduce the fuel load.

Proactive Land Management

Land managers play a crucial role in mitigating wildfire risk. This includes:

• Controlled burning during appropriate seasons and with necessary precautions.

• Maintaining firebreaks and reducing fuel loads through vegetation management.

• Ensuring adequate water sources are available for firefighting efforts.

• Educating staff and the public about wildfire prevention.

Public Awareness and Responsibility

The general public has a vital role to play in preventing wildfires:

• Being extremely cautious with open flames, including cigarettes.

• Never discarding glass bottles or litter in dry vegetation, as they can act as ignition sources.

• Adhering to local guidelines and warnings regarding fire risk.

• Reporting wildfires immediately to the fire service.

• Avoiding the use of disposable BBQs in moorland and forest areas.

A Growing National Threat

The recent spate of wildfires across the UK serves as a stark warning. These are not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of a growing national threat exacerbated by dry conditions, rising temperatures and excess fuel load.

The strain on fire services, the damage to valuable habitats, and the potential risk to life and property underscore the urgency of the situation. Wildfires are no longer just a seasonal concern; they are a clear and present danger requiring immediate and sustained action. 

Proactive land management, robust prevention policies, and heightened public awareness are essential to protect our landscapes and communities from the devastating consequences of these increasingly frequent and serious blazes.

The time to act is now, before more of our precious moorlands and natural spaces are lost to the flames.