Wildfires: BMC calls for action to protect our wild places
Following a record-breaking summer of wildfires, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is calling for long-term investment, dedicated wildfire wardens and a coordinated national approach to protect the landscapes we love.
The summer of 2026 saw a record 1,360 wildfires across England and Wales, with major fires affecting landscapes including Conwy Mountain, Rhinogydd and Peak District.
Wildfires threaten wildlife, habitats and rural communities, as well as the places hill walkers, climbers and mountaineers visit and enjoy. With climate change increasing the risk of hot, dry conditions, preventing fires before they start has never been more important.
Last week, the Government hosted the first Wildfires 27 Resilience Summit, while Parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee published a report calling for improvements to the UK’s wildfire preparedness.
Proposals include better firefighting resources, public awareness campaigns, support for fire wardens and temporary restrictions on disposable barbecues during periods of high risk. The Government has also pledged £25 million to restore dried-out peatlands in England between April 2027 and April 2029, helping make these landscapes more resilient to fire.
The BMC welcomes these commitments but says sustained action is needed to turn them into meaningful change.
It has been working to put wildfire prevention firmly on the political agenda, advocating for practical measures to protect the countryside and the communities who depend on it. This includes funding a full-time Wildfire Engagement Officer for the Peak District's Sheffield Moors and publishing a national wildfire prevention blueprint, setting out recommendations for public awareness, land management and government policy.
In Wales, the BMC helped brief environmental sector representatives at a Wildfire Summit following a summer in which the country experienced a disproportionately high number of fires.
Dr Catherine Flitcroft, the BMC's Head of Access and Environment, said:
“We welcome the report and recommendations coming from government - wildfire risk is everyone's responsibility and the effects of these, to date, have been devastating. The BMC wants to continue to work with partners to ensure everyone visiting the outdoors is aware and can help protect the landscapes we love visiting.”
To help reduce the risk of wildfires ahead of the 2027 fire season, the BMC is calling for:
- Long-term investment to protect high-risk landscapes and restore vulnerable habitats.
- A coordinated national approach to wildfire prevention and response.
- Funding for dedicated wildfire wardens and engagement officers to support prevention on the ground.
- A complete ban on the sale of disposable barbecues to reduce avoidable fire risks.
- Greater public awareness to help people understand wildfire danger and make safer choices outdoors.
Everyone who visits the countryside can help reduce wildfire risk. Follow local advice and restrictions, avoid disposable barbecues in vulnerable landscapes and never leave flames unattended.
In 2027, the BMC will launch a campaign to raise awareness of wildfire dangers, explain how fires can be prevented and encourage safer alternatives.
We will continue working with policymakers, environmental organisations and local partners to secure the action needed to protect our wild places for future generations
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