Act now to fight wildfire risk

Climate change is increasing the risk of wildfires, with this summer seeing a record number across the UK. And, as the Chair of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) warns that more lives will be lost unless action is taken, public service organisations must act now to ensure they’re ready for next summer.  

Statistics from the National Fire Chiefs Council support the need for this stark warning. There were 1,350 wildfires in England and Wales in 2026 (as at the end of September) – an increase of more than 300 on 2025. Scotland has seen a similar trend. While there were 55 wildfires in 2024, the number rocketed to 239 in 2025.

Worryingly, climate change means these figures will only get bigger. CCC Chair, Baroness Brown, predicts that by 2050 the risk of wildfires could have doubled across much of the UK.

Wildfire effects

Wildfires have devastating effects on nature. In 2025, 47,879 hectares of countryside were burnt, destroying wildlife and natural habitats. Communities also suffer. This summer, one man died in a wildfire in Gloucestershire and 19 homes were destroyed in Stourbridge.

The effects go far beyond the physical damage. Fighting wildfires puts prolonged pressure on fire and rescue services, especially as resources are already stretched. For those on the frontline, additional risks can include extreme heat, smoke, fatigue and difficult or unfamiliar terrain, especially where a crew is brought in from another county.

Wildfires can also disrupt infrastructure, including transport networks, utilities and telecommunications. As an example, when a van fire started a wildfire that destroyed more than 100 hectares of the New Forest in August, the A31, the main route through the area was closed for two weeks for repairs.

All of this upheaval can affect the delivery of public services. As well as the redirection of emergency crews to deal with wildfires, medical staff and emergency call handlers can face additional workloads. Similarly, a refuse collection may be cancelled if roads are closed or staff are reallocated to support residents whose homes are at risk of wildfire.

Building resilience

Taking steps now to prepare for future wildfires is essential. The ability to maintain service continuity while responding to a significant wildfire is an important organisational and multiagency resilience issue.

It also requires a multi-pronged approach. As well as understanding exposure and developing response and continuity plans, organisations should consider exercising these arrangements and exploring insurance and risk financing options.

This five step action plan can help organisations build resilience and prepare for next summer.

1. Understand and quantify the risk

It’s impossible to manage a risk you don’t understand so the first step is turning uncertainty into actionable intelligence. Public service organisations should work together to identify where wildfires could occur, mapping high-risk land, buildings and infrastructure. This exercise should also consider the implications for services, vulnerable residents and communities.  

2. Reduce exposure before a fire starts

The cheapest wildfire claim is the one that never happens so explore ways to remove the risk. This includes vegetation management and the creation of fire breaks and defensible space around assets but also managing combustibles, for instance, a ban on disposable BBQs. Maintenance of access routes and water sources can also ensure that, if a fire breaks out, it can be tackled quickly.  

3. Strengthen operational preparedness

Resilience isn’t measured by whether a wildfire occurs, but by how effectively organisations respond when it does. A multiagency approach to emergency and business continuity planning ensures every issue is identified and an effective response strategy is in place.  

4. Build financial resilience

Financial resilience is a key part of being prepared. Understanding worst-case scenarios and assessing recovery costs and service impacts helps organisations plan for emergency expenditure and put reserve strategies, including insurance and parametric solutions, in place where appropriate.

5. Learn, adapt, and plan for the future

Situations evolve, especially when climate-related, so organisations should see each wildfire and near miss as a valuable learning exercise. Understanding what worked, what didn’t and how conditions may have evolved ensures that risk assessments and response plans are fit for purpose. Climate change should also be factored into any long-term planning, to enable appropriate investment and resources to be put in place.

Broker support

Your broker can provide support throughout your organisation’s wildfire resilience building exercise. This could include input on climate risk analytics and scenario modelling to better understand exposure; highlighting operational vulnerabilities through risk assessments; and advising on appropriate insurance and risk financing structures.