Wildfires can destroy homes and gardens, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk.
Remove combustible materials
By removing anything flammable, like dry grass or piles of rubbish, you’re removing fuel for any wildfires.
- Keep grass cut short (below 7cm).
- Consider cutting back trees and shrubs that are close to your home. Dispose of your garden waste responsibly.
- If possible create a fire break around your property. You can do this by clearing 2-3m around all sides of your home and garden.
- Clear flammable debris, like dead leaves, from your garden and guttering.
- Try to position any sheds or garden furniture away from your home.
- Keeping your garden watered in dry spells makes it less combustible. If a hosepipe ban is in place, consider using water butts or wastewater from your home to water your garden.
Check your property
- Make sure you have clear escape routes from inside and outside the home.
- Take a good look at your roof if you can. Are there spaces between roof tiles where burning embers could become lodged? Repair any loose or broken roof tiles to prevent hot embers entering your roof space.
- Make sure your house number or name is clearly visible in case we're called to your address.
Work together
Speak to your neighbours or contact your local authority if you’re concerned about land that isn’t yours.
Preventing wildfires
Find out what causes wildfires, and how you can help prevent them.
How to prevent wildfires
Look out for alerts
If there is a risk to life Fire and Rescue Services can send out an alert via the Government emergency alerts service. There’s no need to sign up or pay for this service. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range of a mast will receive the alert. Alerts are only sent if your current location is impacted.
