FUW outlines wildfire prevention priorities in EFRA submission

The Farmers' Union of Wales recently responded to Westminster’s EFRA Committee’s call for evidence on the growing threat posed by wildfires in the UK, to both urban and rural areas.

In its submission, the FUW argued that effective wildfire prevention depends on maintaining active land management, particularly through sustainable livestock grazing and the continued use of controlled burning. The FUW stressed that wildfire policy should be considered alongside wider agricultural, environmental and climate objectives to avoid unintended consequences that could increase fuel loads and wildfire risk.

A key theme of the FUW's response was opposition to ending controlled burning altogether. The FUW argued that controlled burning remains an important land management tool which, when carried out responsibly and in accordance with regulations, can reduce fuel loads and help prevent larger, more damaging wildfires. While recognising that burning can have environmental impacts, the FUW contended that existing regulations and guidance should be reviewed and improved rather than replaced with outright bans.

The FUW also highlighted concerns about declining livestock numbers and reduced grazing activity in Welsh uplands. The FUW argued that reduced grazing can lead to the accumulation of unmanaged vegetation, increasing both the likelihood and severity of wildfires. Consequently, the FUW emphasised that policies relating to decarbonisation, biodiversity and habitat restoration should recognise the important role livestock can play in managing wildfire risk.

The FUW identified several evidence gaps requiring further research, including the impacts of reduced grazing on fuel accumulation, the effectiveness of controlled burning, the long-term consequences of no-burn policies, and the causes of wildfire ignition. The FUW called for improved monitoring, data collection and investigation of wildfire incidents to support evidence-based policymaking.

The FUW supported nature-based solutions such as habitat management, firebreak creation and controlled grazing, while emphasising the need for greater collaboration between farmers, Natural Resources Wales, emergency services and conservation organisations. The FUW also advocated increased investment in training, communication systems and rural response capacity, alongside the creation of a UK-wide wildfire coordination hub to improve evidence gathering, knowledge sharing and strategic coordination.

The FUW’s full submission can be found here.