With the UK bracing for another heatwave, the Met Office Fire Severity Index (FSI) has placed large parts of England at Level 4 ('very high'), moving towards Level 5 ('exceptional') in the coming days. Firefighters in Hampshire have already spent three days containing a wildfire in the New Forest, and blazes have been reported in Nottingham and parts of Wales. The National Fire Chiefs Council reported responding to 966 wildfires this year, compared to 1,017 in all of 2025.
Expert Advice on Garden Fire Safety
Richard Barker, a horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, shared with Metro essential tips to protect gardens from wildfires. His advice covers lawn maintenance, watering, firebreaks, and more.
Cut Grass and Tidy Up
Barker emphasizes removing potential 'fuel' for fires. 'Keep your grass cut short, ideally below 7cm, and cut back trees and shrubs close to your home,' he says. 'Tree branches should be cut so the lowest growth is six to 10ft off the ground, preventing ground fires from reaching trees.' Flammable debris like dead leaves or grass clippings should be cleared and disposed of responsibly.
Water and Create Firebreaks
Keeping gardens watered during dry spells makes them less combustible. In hosepipe bans, use water butts or wastewater, but avoid grey water on edible crops. Creating a firebreak—clearing two to three metres around your home and garden—can be done by raking leaves or using paving, stones, or gravel paths.
Manage Compost and Mulch
Compost heaps are flammable; keep them moist and turn regularly to dissipate heat. Keep them away from buildings. Bark chippings are very flammable; replace with gravel or rocks during high temperatures.
Remove Reflective Items and BBQ Safety
Mirrors, glass ornaments, or reflective materials can concentrate heat and ignite dry areas; store them away or cover them. For BBQs, place on a flat, stable surface away from fencing, sheds, and trees, never on grass, and never leave unattended.
Audit Shed and Dispose of Cigarettes Properly
Store petrol in approved containers away from ignition sources, never inside your home. Rags with linseed oil should be submerged in water in a metal container with a lid, as they can spontaneously combust. Cigarettes should be stubbed out on non-flammable surfaces like ashtrays and disposed of in bins once cold.
Following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires damaging your property. As the heatwave continues, staying vigilant and prepared is crucial.
