NFU raises alarm over wildfire threats to British farms
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has called for urgent action to reduce wildfire risk on farmland following a sharp increase in fire incidents and worsening drought conditions.
According to the NFU, government, fire services and local councils must act together to support prevention, education and emergency response efforts.
The National Fire Chiefs Council has recorded over 500 wildfire incidents so far in 2025.
The Environment Agency recently confirmed that both the West and East Midlands have entered official drought status.
River flows in some areas are now at their lowest June levels since 1976.
Wildfire conditions escalate with heat and drought
The NFU has linked this growing wildfire threat to persistent hot and dry weather across the UK, which has created highly combustible conditions on farmland.
The Met Office has warned that extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent.
In a statement, NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “As farmers, we are doing what we can, but this isn’t an issue we can tackle alone.
“It’s vital that government, fire services and local authorities work with us on prevention, education and response, and for everyone enjoying the countryside this summer to be fire-aware so these shared spaces remain safe for all.
“Protecting our farmland means protecting our food, our environment and our rural communities.”
Data from NFU Mutual shows farm fire claims rose to £110 million in 2023.
This marked a 37% increase from 2022.
NFU outlines specific wildfire risk reduction measures
The NFU has issued a series of requests to government and fire services to help reduce wildfire risk.
One of the union’s proposals is the introduction of legislation to require combine harvesters to include fire suppression systems at point of sale.
The NFU has also asked local councils to issue Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) restricting activities such as barbecues and sky lanterns that could spark fires in dry rural areas.
The union expressed concern about proposed restrictions on controlled burning of heather on deep peat, which it believes could worsen fire risks in upland regions.
A final proposal calls for wider investment in a rural fire engine adapter developed in Lincolnshire.
Rural adapter enables firefighter access to farm water stores
A Lincolnshire-developed adapter enabling fire engines to connect to on-farm water storage has proven effective in controlling fires on agricultural land.
The NFU noted that this adapter is in use across Lincolnshire and Norfolk, but has not yet been adopted in most other regions.
NFU members Andrew Ward and Rhonda Thompson recently experienced a fire on their farm and highlighted the value of the adapter.
Rhonda Thompson said: “It was awful to get the call from a neighbour that our poultry manure heap was on fire, which is surrounded by thousands of acres of wheat – both our own and neighbouring farmers’.
“Every minute the fire was unattended added to the risk of it breaking over into the crop, where it would’ve spread quickly to neighbouring farms and been much harder to contain.
“Two fire engines arrived quickly from Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and, fortunately, the Lincolnshire fire engine was carrying the adapter.
“I dread to think how bad it would’ve been if the firefighters didn’t have access to our on-farm water stores and neighbours’ water bowsers and tankers. Sadly, that’s the situation facing most farms across the country without this adapter.”
Farmer-led solutions offer wildfire prevention model
The NFU highlighted the adapter as an example of farmer-led innovation developed in cooperation with emergency services.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “The fact that one of our members worked with his local fire service to develop an adapter specifically for rural areas, then managed to secure funding for all 48 fire engines in Lincolnshire to be equipped with it, shows what can be achieved when we work together and put our minds to it.
“These adapters have been instrumental in minimising the impact of farm fires on livelihoods, and I believe it should be a non-negotiable for all fire engines across the country to invest in.
“They aren’t expensive, yet the cost of a farm fire can be devastating.
“There are solutions out there, and what we’re asking for today will help tackle some of the key causes and risks of wildfires.”
UK wildfire risk on farms prompts NFU call for action: Summary
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has called for action on wildfire risks affecting UK farmland.
The NFU has urged government, fire services and local councils to coordinate prevention and emergency response efforts.
The Environment Agency has declared drought in the West and East Midlands.
The Met Office has reported increasingly frequent temperature extremes.
The National Fire Chiefs Council recorded over 500 wildfire incidents in 2025.
Farm fire claims rose to £110 million in 2023, according to NFU Mutual.
The NFU proposes legislation requiring fire suppression in combine harvesters.
It also recommends PSPOs to limit high-risk public activity in rural areas.
Concerns were raised about land management policy changes affecting upland burning.
The NFU supports national adoption of a fire engine adapter for rural water access.
This adapter is currently used in Lincolnshire and Norfolk.
Farmers have credited the adapter with helping to contain recent fires.