Wildfires are no longer rare events in the UK. In recent years, they have become more frequent, more destructive, and increasingly difficult to manage particularly in rural areas where vast stretches of dry vegetation can fuel large-scale blazes.
This summer has seen some of the largest wildfires in Scottish history, including the devastating Dava fire in Moray, which destroyed more than 29,000 hectares (112 square miles) of vegetation. Experts warn that rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and changing land management practices are creating ideal conditions for these fires to spread.
Climate change is a major factor. Hotter, drier summers mean vegetation dries out faster, becoming highly flammable. Once the moisture content in plants falls below a certain point, even a small spark from machinery, barbecues, or discarded cigarettes, can lead to a fast-moving fire.
Land management changes, such as reduced grazing or altered burning practices, can also allow scrub and grasses to grow unchecked, providing more fuel. In some cases, the risk is compounded by strong winds, which can rapidly spread flames across open landscapes.
With fires becoming harder to control, private landowners and rural businesses are playing an increasingly vital role in firefighting efforts.
During the Dava fire, more than 100 workers from local estates joined the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, bringing with them specialist knowledge and equipment such as fogging units and converted slurry tanks. This collaboration proved essential in containing the blaze.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority has recognised this need by funding projects to equip rural workers with firefighting gear, radios, and training. These measures not only help tackle active fires but also improve prevention by reducing fuel loads and creating natural firebreaks.
One of the biggest challenges in rural firefighting is water access. Remote areas often lack nearby hydrants, making it difficult for fire crews to maintain a steady water supply. Firefighting tanks provide a ready-to-use reserve of water exactly where it’s needed, reducing the time it takes to respond.
These tanks can be installed on farms, estates, or near high-risk areas, ensuring that large volumes of water are available for both local land managers and emergency services. In some cases, they can be paired with pumps or used to fill smaller, more mobile firefighting units, helping teams create firebreaks or douse hotspots quickly.
By giving rural communities reliable on-site water storage, firefighting tanks act as a critical first line of defence helping to prevent small sparks from becoming catastrophic blazes.
It’s not just Scotland that’s feeling the impact. Across England and Wales, wildfire incidents have risen sharply. By early July 2025, the area burned had already exceeded that of most European countries highlighting that the UK is now firmly part of the wildfire conversation.
Urban fringe areas, where homes border grassland, heath, or forest, are particularly vulnerable. Fires in these zones can threaten both people and property, as seen in London’s 2022 “firewave” event, when multiple blazes broke out during record heat.
The challenge ahead is clear: better preparation, more collaboration, and investment in resilient infrastructure. This means:
- Equipping rural communities with water sources and firefighting tools.
- Training land managers to tackle fires safely.
- Managing vegetation to reduce risk.
- Continuing to strengthen ties between public services and private landowners.
Wildfires are likely to remain a seasonal hazard in the UK. The question is how prepared we can be when the next one starts.
Posted by Callum Vallance-Poole, on August 19, 2025.
