Be wildfire aware: what to do during high fire risk

Wildfires are devastating. They destroy precious peatland - vital for carbon storage and water regulation - and decimate wildlife habitats, especially during the nesting season when ground-nesting birds are unable to escape with their eggs or young. The aftermath can leave vast areas of moorland scarred and lifeless.

Fires also threaten lives, homes, and livelihoods, while placing immense pressure on already stretched fire services, National Parks, conservation organisations, and landowners.

You can help prevent wildfires

Moorland fires are clearly something we all want to avoid. So what can we do - as walkers, climbers, and outdoor users - to reduce the risk?

• Report any fire immediately by calling 999 and giving your precise location. The hours between 2pm and 8pm are especially high risk, and early action can make a big difference in controlling a fire.
• Report suspicious activity. Sadly, some fires are started deliberately. If you see something that doesn’t look right, report it to emergency services straight away.
• Respect ‘high fire risk’ signs put up by National Park or Local Authorities. These are only posted during periods of extreme dryness and high danger.
• Leave stoves, disposable barbecues, or any open flames at home. Even a small mistake could have catastrophic consequences. Take sandwiches, not sausages!
• No smoking in areas marked as high fire risk. A single cigarette can start a wildfire.
• Take all your litter home. Glass, in particular, can start fires in hot conditions.
• Stay informed. Keep up to date with wildfire advice from organisations such as the Peak District National Park Wildfire page.

How to check for fire closures

If the Fire Severity Index (FSI) reaches level 5 (exceptional risk), access closures to some open access land will come into effect.

Any closures to open access land will be widely publicised in a number of ways:

• In England on Natural England’s website (find the area you are interested in using the search and scroll to the table at the bottom of the page to check for any restrictions.)
• In Wales on Natural Resources Wales website
• National Park Authority websites such as the Peak District National Park Authority

Fire England also publishes advice on fire safety outdoors.

For those in Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service provides advice about what causes wildfires, how to prevent them, and the strategies used to fight them.

Article header image: Saddleworth Moor ablaze, taken from the A62 above Diggle. (Credit: Simon Taylor)