Policy briefing: wildfire resilience

Across Britain, wildfire is often treated solely as a short-term problem that requires prevention via public education and investment in emergency responses. While these measures are vital, we also need to invest in the underlying conditions that cause wildfires and ensure the long-term resilience of our landscapes.

No land is immune to wildfire in a world where our wildfire season is projected to be longer and more destructive. But landscapes that store more water, restore natural hydrology, support a diverse mosaic of habitats and have natural firebreaks are more resilient to wildfire. We need to learn this lesson fast and ensure the creation of these landscapes is central to Britain’s long-term wildfire strategy.

This policy briefing covers:

• how wildfire in Britain has become a new reality
• what causes and exacerbates wildfires
• what solutions we need
• what policy actions are required