Experts Warn of ‘Devastating’ Wildfire Risk as March Sees Shockingly Low Rainfall
Despite a few spells of recent rain, March is shaping up to be one of the driest in decades—and the consequences are already catching fire, quite literally. With the UK seeing shockingly low rainfall this month—just 15% of the monthly average in Wales, 18% in England, and 36% in Scotland—the risk of wildfires has surged dramatically. Experts are raising alarm bells as vast swathes of moorland and grassland have become tinder-dry, ripe for ignition with even the smallest spark.
Over the past week, wildfires have erupted across the UK, from the moors of southwest England to the Highlands of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the rugged hills of Wales.
In the Highlands near Inverness, a wildfire broke out yesterday, prompting a major emergency response. Six fire engines were called to the scene as firefighters battled the flames. Near Glasgow, another fire flared up on Thursday, but it has since been extinguished.
A dramatic blaze scorched ten acres between Lairg and Dornoch in the northern Highlands on Wednesday. Fire crews acted swiftly to prevent what could have been “devastating” consequences.
On Friday, conditions in lowland Scotland and the central Highlands were declared an extreme wildfire risk, with dry grass, heathland, and leftover dead vegetation from winter creating a perfect storm for fire.
Wales has been hit hard as well. Near Merthyr Tydfil and in Powys, multiple blazes erupted. One fire near Llanwrthwl consumed about 50 hectares of bracken and trees between Rhayader and Newbridge-on-Wye.
Elsewhere in North Wales, three significant wildfires sparked in Carrog near Corwen, Talysarn near Mynydd Cilgwyn, and Mynydd Llandygai, Bethesda. Over 20 firefighters, including a specialist wildfire unit, were deployed to contain the flames. Crews also tackled a large fire at Trefiw in Conwy county.
Northern Ireland has not been spared either. An amber wildfire warning was issued due to a dangerous mix of dry and windy conditions. In the Mourne Mountains earlier this week, a gorse fire believed to have been started deliberately led to a massive emergency response. More than 60 firefighters and seven fire appliances battled the blaze in Castlewellan on Monday.
The causes of these wildfires are varied—careless disposal of cigarettes, unattended barbecues and campfires, improperly extinguished fires, and even sunlight magnified through discarded glass bottles. Sparks from vehicles or machinery can also ignite dry vegetation.
Authorities are urging the public to take precautions: avoid littering, never use disposable BBQs on dry ground, and refrain from burning waste. These small actions can prevent massive destruction.
While a few showers are expected over the weekend, which could help moisten the parched ground and slow down fire risks, experts warn that the danger isn’t over. March through May is peak wildfire season in the UK, particularly on grasslands, heathland, and open moors.
With the landscape dangerously dry and fire-prone, one thing is clear: the UK is on high alert.