Wildfires

Wildfires can destroy homes and gardens, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. 

The danger of embers

Hot embers, carried by the wind, can travel very far and start new fires a long way from the original wildfire. The video below shows how important it is to remove any combustible materials from your garden to reduce this risk.

Remove combustible materials

By removing anything flammable, like dry grass or piles of rubbish, you’re removing fuel for any wildfires.  

If possible, you should create a fire break or 2-3 metres, within your property, around the external walls of your home. If you have any fixed structures (such as decking, garages or outhouses) you should create a fire break around them too. 

If you're concerned about flammable material just outside your property boundary, speak to your neighbour, local authority, or landowner as appropriate.

In the garden:

• Cut back trees and shrubs.
• Keep grass cut short (below 7cm).
• Clear weeds regularly.
• Clear flammable debris, like dead leaves, from your garden and guttering.
• If possible, use non-flammable materials for your property boundary, such as stone or brick walls instead of plastic or wooden fencing.
• Remove all waste from outdoor space and keep gardens free from clutter.
• Position sheds or garden furniture away from your home.
• If you have any garden materials or flammable materials, such as weedkiller, these should be stored responsibly, for example in a locked shed or container.

Compost heaps

Compost heaps can be a source of grass fires, so if you have one in your garden or allotment, follow the advice below:

• Keep compost heaps, as well as any flammable material, away from buildings and other structures.
• Keep your pile moist. If you're worried that it's too dry and could be a fire risk, use a watering can or hose to add a bit more moisture.
• Keep a good balance of green and brown materials.
• Keep turning the pile so the heat dissipates.

Check your property

• Make sure you have clear escape routes from inside and outside the home. 
• Take a good look at your roof if you can. Are there spaces between roof tiles where burning embers could become lodged? Repair any loose or broken roof tiles to prevent hot embers entering your roof space. 
• Make sure your house number or name is clearly visible in case we're called to your address.

Work together 

Speak to your neighbours or contact your local authority if you’re concerned about land that isn’t yours. 

Look out for alerts 

If there is a risk to life Fire and Rescue Services can send out an alert via the Government emergency alerts service. There’s no need to sign up or pay for this service. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range of a mast will receive the alert. Alerts are only sent if your current location is impacted.