Wildfires and our changing climate

A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that spreads through vegetation, often burning precious habitats, including woodlands, grasslands and shrubs (source: RSPB.org.uk).

Wildfires spread quickly, change direction and can 'jump' making them unpredictable, tricky to contain and difficult to extinguish. They are a danger to lives, homes, businesses and our wildlife and the impact of them is long lasting.

Climate change means that in the UK, and around the world, we’re seeing more extreme weather. The Met Office says increasing temperatures are causing more extreme heat events such as heatwaves. Record-breaking high temperatures are becoming more frequent, long-lasting and intense. This extreme weather is increasing the “scale, intensity and frequency of wildfires” all over the world. Wildfires are more severe during extended periods of hot dry weather, because higher temperatures cause more evaporation and this dries the vegetation, creating fuel for the fires. 

According to Surrey Fire and Rescue’s Community Risk Management Plan (SurreyCC.gov.uk), around 15,500 hectares of land in Surrey have been identified as a wildfire risk, this is equivalent to 155 square kilometres or almost 60 square miles. While numbers of wildfires have remained fairly consistent, their severity has increased in the last five years. With increasing frequency of hotter, drier summers, wildfires are in turn likely to become more common. In June 2025 alone, firefighters responded to around 120 outdoor fires across Surrey – nearly a 200% increase compared to the same time last year. One of these incidents was a wildfire at Valley Wood Place, near Chobham Common, which affected one hectare of land – roughly the size of two football pitches. While warm weather increases the risk of a fire, the spark that starts a wildfire is often linked to human activity. In March 2025, a grass fire broke out at Box Hill (near Reigate/Dorking), believed to be caused by a disposable barbecue.

With wildfires considered an emergent threat (Met Office), it is important that we recognise this risk locally and do what we can to reduce the risk and be prepared. Risks to the community, including those brought about or made more frequent or severe by a changing climate, are recorded in our Community Risk Register. The Community Risk Register exists so that the Council can put measures in place to mitigate risks and their impact and plan for emergency response. 

As well as the risk to people and property from fire and smoke, wildfires pose a danger to livestock, wildlife and habitats. Visit the Surrey Wildlife Trust website for more information.

What you can do to prevent and report a wildfire

The Met Office issues regular weather updates and warnings for the UK, helping the public, land managers and responders prepare for changing conditions that could impact wildfire risk. Sign up to Met Office weather alerts.

Be wildfire prepared

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has put together some helpful advice on how we can all do our bit to prevent wildfires and what to do if we see one. Tips include:

• Swap barbecues for picnics or if you do have a barbecue, ensure it is fully extinguished.
• Avoid burning garden waste or starting bonfires.   
• Dispose of cigarettes properly. Throwing cigarette ends on the ground or out of a car window can start a wildfire.   
• Be aware of the wind carrying smouldering ash.
• Dispose of glass bottles properly - they can focus sunlight and start a fire.
• If you see a fire outdoors, don’t try to tackle it yourself. Leave the area and call 999.  

Wildfires can threaten businesses and homes. It may seem unlikely that your home or business may become threatened by wildfire, but it pays to be prepared.

• Reduce or remove areas of high fuel close to your home (vegetation, bushes or piles of leaves).
• Be aware that dense areas of vegetation, hedges, timber fences or sheds, and dry undergrowth will allow a fie to spread from an open space to your home or business.
• Create an evacuation plan, including a list of essentials you and your family would need in an emergency.

If you see a fire on our countryside

• Immediately call 999 and ask for the fire service, giving your exact location, including What 3 Words if possible.
• Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself, get out of the smoke and into clear air.
• Follow the advice and guidance from the emergency services call handler.

Get far away from the fire, it can spread incredibly quickly. Your safety is the most important thing.