Current UK Wildfire risks & UKHSA Guidance
Dear Colleagues,
An “exceptional” wildfire risk has been declared across many parts of the UK.
The National Fire Chiefs Council has recently declared that firefighters have responded to 185 wildfires in the first 10 days of August alone, while July was the busiest month on record for wildfires with 458 incidents in England and Wales.
Fire Chiefs warn of sustained wildfire pressures as drought spreads across England and Wales – NFCC
In Scotland, Very High-Risk alerts remain for Eastern Highlands and Eastern and Southern Scotland as of the 13th of August 2026.
News | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
In Northern Ireland, the Wildfires Action Plan to 2030 has been introduced through a multi-agency approach as part of the Wildfires Strategic Framework to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires. Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service wildfire action plan
UK Wildfire Risk Map
The Moorland Association has used open-source data alongside expert analysis to map the risk threat in each parliamentary constituency. This covers all parliamentary constituencies across the whole of the UK and branches are encouraged to examine the current wildfire risks in your area. This very useful live risk map can be viewed via the link below.
What counts as a wildfire?
A wildfire is any uncontrolled vegetation fire serious enough to require an emergency response. Typically, they include fires covering at least a hectare of land (approximately the size of 2 rugby pitches), with flames over 1.5 metres high.
Should I wear a face mask?
According to the UKHSA ( UK Health Security Agency – wildfires), face masks such as surgical masks are not usually recommended as they do not necessarily protect against all the pollutants that may be present in the smoke.
Emergency actions to take if you see a wildfire
- Move to a safe location away from the fire.
- Call 999 immediately, do not assume someone else has already reported it.
Use the Ordnance Survey App Ordnance Survey UK national mapping or what3words ways to use what3words To give an accurate location. - Wait at a safe, agreed location if requested and provide emergency services with further details.
- Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
- Do not travel to the area of a wildfire, as this may slow the emergency response.
- Wildfires often occur during dry periods, and the smoke and ash from such fires can affect respiratory conditions. If wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in your area, keep windows and doors closed.
- Always follow the advice of emergency services and local authorities, including any instruction to evacuate or stay indoors with windows closed.
Always remain aware – wildfires rapidly approach and can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation.
What’s in wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire. Wildfires can lead to a range of health impacts, including injuries, respiratory and cardiovascular effects from smoke exposure. The UKHSA have produced guidance from UKHSA scientists to provide a health impact overview of wildfires within the UK. This UKHSA document is provided with this LTB.
When to use a Dynamic Risk Assessment
A Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) is a rapid, real-time process of identifying and evaluating new or changed hazards during a work task and making immediate decisions to reduce risk and prevent harm. The concept of dynamic risk assessment is particularly useful in settings where the level of risk is subject to variation and where people often need to make quick decisions to manage that risk.
Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 can be applied individually by a worker who reasonably believes they face serious and imminent danger.
According to the latest available revised legislation (updated to November 2025) from the UK government’s official legislation site, Section 44 is very much in force and remains part of current law.
This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.
If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact:
Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI
CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org
UKHSA HECC-report–wildfires and health
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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