In this blog, we debunk five common myths about wildfires and explain why preventing them is everyone’s responsibility.

Myth 1. Wildfires are a natural occurrence

Studies estimate that 85 to 90% of wildfires are ignited by human activity. While it is possible for a wildfire to occur naturally, most wildfires are caused accidentally by people.

Bonfires, BBQs, fireworks, discarded cigarettes, and littered glass can all ignite a wildfire. Everyone can help prevent wildfires during periods of hot, dry weather by following this simply guidance:

• No bonfires or barbecues
• No cigarette butts
• No littering (particularly glass or disposable vapes)

Natural wildfires are very rare in the UK. When they do occur, they are usually sparked by lightning igniting a tree or dry vegetation during a period of drought.

Myth 2. Climate change isn’t causing wildfires 

Heatwaves and droughts are becoming more extreme and more frequent because of changes to the planet’s climate. In the UK, these longer periods of hotter, drier weather are increasing both the likelihood of wildfires starting and their severity.

Hotter temperatures increase the risk of ignition, whether natural or human-caused. Meanwhile, drier conditions mean fires can spread much must faster, as grasses and plants contain less moisture.

Although extreme weather patterns may not be directly igniting wildfires, they are creating hotter, drier conditions that make wildfires in the UK more likely and more dangerous.
 

Myth 3. Wildfires do not impact birds, because they fly away

Whilst birds may have the ability to fly away from a wildfire as it happens, the aftermath can have devastating long-term impacts on bird populations.

• Nests and nesting habitat: During the nesting season (March to July), a wildfire can destroy nests and eggs, and kill flightless chicks. The loss of nesting habitat can also reduce breeding success in subsequent years.
   
• Food scarcity: Wild birds rely on insects, seeds, fruits, and small mammals for food. Wildfires can temporarily wipe out these local food sources, forcing birds to relocate or compete more intensely for food elsewhere.
   
• Shelter loss: Wildfires destroy vegetation that birds rely on for shelter, leaving them vulnerable to predators and more exposed to the hot weather.
   
• Air pollution: Inhaling smoke, toxic gases, and fine particles can damage birds’ respiratory systems and cause long-term health issues. Smoke can also disorientate birds or force them to take long detours during migration.
   

Myth 4. Wildfires are good for heathland

Wildfires are devastating for healthy heathlands. The extreme heat can kill wildlife, destroy plants, and scorch soil beyond what nature can regenerate, damaging the entire ecosystem.

This myth partly comes from the fact that some heathland plants, such as heather and gorse, are relatively fire-tolerant, and controlled burns are sometimes used as a management tool. 

However, heather and gorse are only resistant to low-intensity fires. Modern wildfires, made more severe by hotter and drier conditions, can burn deep into organic soils and destroy the seeds and root systems that plants need to recover.

Small, carefully managed burns may occasionally be used during colder, wetter months to help kick-start regeneration of poor-quality or declining heathland. However, controlled burns are very different from wildfires and do not reach the same destructive temperatures or uncontrollable spread.
 

Myth 5. Rewilding causes wildfires

There is a common misconception that nature reserves and rewilding projects increase wildfire risk, with some critics pointing to the fact that many wildfires start on nature reserves.

In reality, nature is the victim, not the cause.

Wildfires are more likely to occur on nature reserves simply because they often have open public access. While most visitors act responsibly, some ignore warnings and fire safety advice by continuing to light BBQs or discard cigarette butts. This is why nature reserves face a greater risk of wildfire than other types of land that are closed to the public.

Natural landscapes, including nature reserves, can actually help combat the impacts of climate change by storing carbon, cooling local temperatures, and retaining water in the landscape - making them an important part of long-term climate adaptation.

With thanks to Suffolk Wildlife Trust.