Wildfires: What can the UK and other nations learn from Australia's world‑leading fire response systems?

Wildfires are increasingly shaping the UK’s climate, mirroring trends observed across much of Europe. In July 2026, intense fires spread rapidly through parts of the country, including notable blazes at Arthur’s Seat, the dormant volcano in central Edinburgh. The Scottish Greens classified these wildfires as a “national emergency” following the incident. Concurrently, the Welsh government initiated its crisis protocol to address ongoing fires in northern Wales, expressing concern over insufficient helicopter resources to combat the flames. Fire services across the UK reported being under immense strain during this period. In 2025 alone, fire and rescue services in England and Wales attended nearly 1,000 wildfire incidents, surpassing the prior year’s record. Experts warn that such conditions are likely to become more frequent in the coming years. According to Ordnance Survey data, over a million residents in the UK reside in regions prone to wildfires. Duncan Moss, co-chair of a national advisory body on wildfires, noted that these homes are typically situated in landscapes lacking managed firebreaks, a practice commonly employed elsewhere globally. Despite growing awareness, the UK lacks a cohesive strategy for managing wildfires. While Scotland released a comprehensive wildfire management plan in March, England’s approach remains fragmented, primarily overseen by independent entities like Forestry England. However, the UK government recently announced plans to establish dedicated wildfire-fighting teams in England, signaling a shift toward more structured responses. Public knowledge about wildfires remains limited, with many communities seeking greater clarity on how to react effectively. Information flows through a combination of media reports and communications from land management authorities. Yet, the lack of widespread recognition of wildfire risks highlights a gap in public understanding. One proposed remedy is the expansion of real-time emergency alerts delivered via mobile devices to impacted areas. Although the UK maintains a national emergency alert system, it has historically been reserved for flood and storm warnings. Advocates argue that such alerts should form part of a broader communication initiative aimed at educating the public about fire risks and safety measures. Fire management extends beyond immediate response; it requires a nuanced understanding of how to coexist with fire. Proactive strategies, such as controlled burns to reduce vegetation fuel, are widely practiced in other nations. These methods help mitigate the likelihood and intensity of future wildfires. Managing fire effectively demands more than early warnings, it necessitates a population equipped to navigate fire-related challenges safely. Australia offers valuable insights into addressing wildfire risks. Its experience with extensive and damaging bushfires has led to the development of robust frameworks for predicting and responding to fire threats. Two key systems support this effort: one that assesses fire risk before an outbreak and another that guides actions once a fire has begun. Introduced in 2022, the Australian Fire Danger Rating System provides a standardized method for communicating fire risk levels to the public. The system categorizes risk into four tiers, moderate, high, extreme, and catastrophic, each accompanied by specific recommendations for preparation and response. Australian fire agencies calculate these ratings using data on weather patterns, vegetation dryness, and potential fire behavior. The information is disseminated through multiple platforms, including roadside signs displaying current danger levels, integrated into weather forecasts and mobile applications, and accessible via state emergency websites. This multi-channel approach ensures that the public receives timely and actionable guidance, enhancing preparedness and resilience against wildfires. As the UK continues to face increasing wildfire threats, adopting similar strategies could prove essential. A coordinated national approach, informed by international best practices, would better equip communities to understand and manage fire risks. With rising temperatures and shifting climatic conditions, the need for improved wildfire management has never been more urgent.