The rising risk of wildfires in the UK

What property owners need to know

In recent times, wildfires have posed a significant risk in areas of Australia, California and Southern Europe, causing devastation to the landscape, many properties, individuals and wildlife.

Although such events have historically been less common in the UK, wildfires have recently occurred in several parts of the country, threatening ecosystems, wildlife, property and human life. Warmer, drier spells can increase the likelihood of serious grass, heath and moorland fires, increasing the threat to homes, estates and other assets near open land. Wildfires can also be caused by individuals, accidentally or deliberately, including a recent fire in Greater Manchester¹.

Why this matters now

Fire and rescue services have reported a number of major incidents and fires across England and Wales, including North Wales, Derbyshire, Dorset, Sussex and North Yorkshire. Firefighters in Scotland have also tackled fires including a major fire in the Cairngorms which spread across 3.7miles².

Fire services and government bodies have warned that periods of hot, dry and windy weather can materially increase wildfire risk in the UK. Although many wildfires are linked to human activity, weather conditions can increase the likelihood of ignition and rapid spread³. The combination of heat, low rainfall, dry undergrowth and wind can turn what begins as a field or scrub fire into a fast-moving threat to nearby property.

This is especially relevant for homes situated:

• On the edge of moorland, heath or common land
• Beside woodland, forestry or unmanaged grassland
• In rural or semi-rural fringe locations
• Near railway lines, roadsides or public recreation areas
• On large estates where outbuildings and boundary vegetation create fuel pathways.

How wildfire damages property

Many people imagine wildfire damage as a wall of flames directly reaching a house but in reality losses often occur in three ways:

1. Direct flame contact

This is the most visible scenario: a fire front reaches the property itself, igniting fencing, sheds, timber cladding, decking, garages or roof structures.

2. Radiant heat

Even where flames do not touch the building, intense heat can crack glazing, deform materials and ignite nearby combustible items.

3. Embers

Wind-driven embers can travel ahead of the main fire and lodge in gutters, roof voids, vents, dry planting, outbuildings and stored materials. A property may therefore ignite without the main fire ever reaching it directly.

Protecting at-risk properties

Protecting your property from the risks of wildfire is not about removing all vegetation or compromising the character of the property. It is about reducing the chance that a nearby land fire becomes a property loss.

1. Create defensible space around buildings

One of the most effective measures is to reduce combustible material close to the house and key outbuildings.

This may include:

• Cutting back dry grass and weeds
• Removing dead leaves, branches and other fuel build-up
• Thinning dense planting near walls, fences and access routes
• Keeping a clear zone around the main residence and ancillary structures.

2. Manage roofs, gutters and vents

Seasonal maintenance should include roof level housekeeping because embers can be a major source of ignition.

Property owners should:

• Keep gutters and flat roofs free of dry debris
• Inspect roof voids and ventilation openings
• Consider ember-resistant mesh or screening where appropriate
• Check whether combustible items are stored against exterior walls or beneath eaves

3. Reduce fire pathways in gardens and grounds

Landscaping can unintentionally guide fire towards the home. This not only refers to gardens, but also to verges, paddocks and boundary land for example.

Risk can be reduced by:

• Avoiding continuous runs of highly combustible planting
• Breaking up large areas of dry grass
• Moving firewood, fuel, bins and garden machinery away from buildings
• Replacing timber fencing where it meets the house.

These steps can reduce the likelihood and severity of property damage, but they cannot eliminate wildfire risk, particularly during severe or fast-moving events.

What to do during a high-risk period

When weather is hot, dry and windy, or when fire services issue warnings in your area, make sure to take practical steps toward protecting your property.

This can include:

• Postponing bonfires, fire pits and outdoor burning
• Avoiding machinery use that could throw sparks into dry vegetation
• Checking grounds daily for dry fuel accumulation
• Monitoring local fire service updates and Met Office conditions
• Moving vehicles, fuel containers and equipment away from vulnerable areas.

If a fire is spotted, call 999 immediately. Don’t assume someone else has reported it, and don’t attempt to tackle a fast-moving vegetation fire yourself.

Review your insurance before an event, not after one

Many home insurance policies may provide cover for wildfire-related damage, but cover can vary by policy, insurer, property type and declared exposures. It is important to check policy wording, sums insured, rebuild costs and any relevant conditions, exclusions or limits.

Key questions include:

• Does the policy clearly cover wildfire and smoke damage?
• Are outbuildings, landscaping and boundary features declared?
• Are heritage materials and specialist reinstatement costs reflected?
• Does it offer adequate cover for alternative accommodation?
• Are fine art, collections and high-value contents appropriately covered?

If you’re unsure if your current insurance is up to date, adequate or if it could be improved, please contact Marsh Private Clients who are available to provide support and advice.

Sources

1. BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6212vj664no

2. BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr59ng05nngo

3. National Emergencies Trust: https://nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/wildfires-growing-risk/