皇家华人

Wildfire risks – we remind public to act responsibly

A disposable barbecue with flaming coals next to picnic on grass

The risk of wildfires is high during early spring and summer in the UK due to a combination of factors, including dry conditions, high temperatures, and human activity.

With the hotter weather thousands of people have been flocking to popular rural locations and beauty spots, resulting in an increase in the use of disposable barbecues.

We not only want the public to act responsibly but we're also calling on local authorities to start issuing PSPOs (Public Space Protection Orders).

PSPOs are intended to deal with particular nuisance or problems in specific areas by imposing conditions on the use of that area to ensure people can enjoy public spaces safely.

Local authorities have the power to implement a PSPO under Sections 59 to 75 of the .

A PSPO can ban any activities that carry a significant risk of causing wildfires 鈥 such as lighting barbeques, building or lighting campfires or camping stoves, lighting fireworks, or setting off night-sky paper lanterns.

Follow the Countryside Code

NFU Land Management Chief Adviser Sam Durham said: 鈥淲ith such dry conditions underfoot, we are urging visitors to the countryside to take extra care to avoid starting a fire. A dropped match or smouldering barbecue is all that鈥檚 needed to start a serious blaze in our fields. I would urge everyone to follow the聽.

鈥溁始一藈ould like to see local authorities start issuing Public Space Protection Orders that deal with problems in a specific area by imposing certain conditions such as a ban on naked flames.鈥

More from 皇家华人:

This page was first published on 10 August 2022. It was updated on 14 July 2025.


Ask us a question about this page

Once you have submitted your query someone from NFU CallFirst will contact you. If needed, your query will then be passed to the appropriate NFU policy team.

You have 0 characters remaining.

By completing the form with your details on this page, you are agreeing to have this information sent to the NFU for the purposes of contacting you regarding your enquiry. Please take time to read the NFU鈥檚 Privacy Notice if you require further information.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.