How can we prevent wildfires?
Wildfires are on the rise in the UK due to climate change, producing disastrous environmental damage and risk to human lives due to the smoke and air pollution they create. This year’s exceptionally dry and hot spring has created ideal conditions for burning. By April of this year, there had been more area burnt by wildfires than the yearly total for the past 13 years! By June, 2025 had broken the 2022 record of the highest number of wildfires in a year.
While we’re used to seeing wildfires in hotter climates such as in Australia and the US, they are becoming more and more common in the UK. This is due to the hotter, drier seasons we are experiencing as a result of climate change. A study led by the MET Office found that human-caused climate change made extreme fire weather 6x more likely – and that it will only get worse. Unfortunately, these extreme weather events are getting closer to home! A wildfire raged through parts of Enfield on 24th June as a result of the current heatwave and lack of rain.
However, there are steps we can take to reduce the risk of wildfires. These fires are not solely caused by the hot weather – many are sparked by human activity. This means that we can help by being fire-safe and using these tips from Herts County Council, listed below.
Tips for reducing the risk of wildfires during hot and dry weather: 
- Take your litter home.
- Discard of cigarettes carefully. Never throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
- Glass in direct sunlight can cause fires - ensure there is none lying around.
- Don’t have campfires or barbecues in the countryside. Only have them in safe designated areas.
- Avoid having bonfires in very dry weather. If you must have a bonfire, follow our bonfire safety advice.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of playing with fire and matches. Keep matches and lighters stored well away from children and teenagers.
Thinking of enjoying a barbeque in the sun? 
Here is some advice to BBQ responsibly
- Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs, or garden waste.
- Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches).
- Keep children, pets, and garden games away from the cooking area.
- Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
- After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it, the coals can stay hot for hours afterwards.
- Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.
- Never leave a lit barbecue unattended.
Keep yourself and your community safe during this heatwave! 
Photo source: Wildfires: UK burnt area for 2025 already beats annual record - BBC News