Wildfires have swept across Yorkshire’s moorlands and scorched hills outside Los Angeles in recent years. These fires aren’t just rare disasters anymore. As the world grows hotter and drier from climate change, fire seasons stretch longer and flames burn more fiercely than before.
But we’re not powerless. You can take straightforward steps at home and in your local area to help lower wildfire risk. This guide looks at easy actions you can take yourself, and how we can work together to keep our towns and wild spaces safer.
Why Climate Change Fuels Wildfires
Wildfires have always occurred, but now due to climate change, they are occurring more frequently and at a worse level. These fast-moving fires often take days or weeks to put out, and are deadly to both humans and other creatures. Wildfires usually spread through forests and vegetation, and can start in seconds. If left unchecked, they often grow out of control.
Some causes of wildfires (like lightning strikes) are naturally, as are dry conditions combined with high winds. But prolonged droughts and very hot weather (caused by climate change) can increase risk. Occasionally like wildfires are even caused by arson or burning rubbish secretly.
You might notice summers feel hotter and drier than ever. Forests in Hawaii, Spain, and across Australia are turning into matchsticks just waiting to catch alight. To understand why wildfires keep spreading, we need to look at a few ways climate change is reshaping the risk—starting with the weather itself and even the plants in our gardens.
Raise awareness by putting up signs on how to stop wildfires, so everyone knows how to avoid them. Ask your local fire brigade to visit offices and schools and campsites.
Smokey Bear is a US website with heaps of info on wildfires and how to stop them (it’s a shame they don’t warn of balloon releases, instead of using them in marketing). It does have good info on safe campfires.
Rising Temperatures and Drought
The year 2025 set new heat records across Europe, the United States, and far beyond. When days drag on dry with little rain, grass, bushes, and even tree branches lose their moisture quickly.
These dry, crisp plants act like kindling in a campfire. The drier the ground, the faster a spark from a barbecue or lightning can kickstart a blaze.
Households can help lower wildfire risk by keeping their gardens and nearby green areas hydrated, even during dry spells. Here are a few straightforward ways to keep things safe and green:
- Water early or late to avoid evaporation, and make every drop count.
- Use mulch around flowerbeds and trees to keep moisture in the soil.
- Save bath or washing-up water to use on trees or bushes during a drought.
- Prioritise watering plants close to your home for an extra wildfire safety buffer.
If planting green spaces, read up on pet-friendly gardens and wildlife-friendly gardens. If planting trees, know of trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak and sycamore).
Small changes add up, making your home less likely to fuel a fire if one starts nearby.
Changing Wind Patterns
Warm air does more than dry out the land. Shifting global conditions have made wind stronger and less predictable, especially in wildfire seasons. When gusts pick up, flames can race across hillsides and scatter embers far and wide—as seen in recent fires on Maui and the Spanish countryside.
Winds that used to change direction every so often now switch quickly and carry sparks well beyond where the fire began. That makes outdoor burning, like garden waste piles or small bonfires, especially risky on windy days. It’s best to avoid bonfires anyway, to help hedgehogs that hibernate in piles.
If it’s gusty outside, skip outdoor burning completely. Even a small backyard fire can jump a fence and put your street at risk in minutes. Check local weather each morning if you plan anything that involves flames.
Invasive Flammable Species
Not all trees help prevent fire. Eucalyptus, originally from Australia, now covers parts of Portugal, Spain, and California. It grows fast and fills forests with oily leaves and loose bark, which catch fire far more easily than many native plants. Storm winds shake these leaves loose, adding to the fuel covering the forest floor.
A few forests in nature is fine. But over-planting creates mono-cultures, which fuels demand.
Portugal and Spain have now banned new plantations of eucalyptus trees (used for ‘compostable chocolate and coffee packaging’) due to wildfires. Tencel (a fabric material) is also from flammable trees.
Communities can come together to lower this risk by:
- Organising removal days for flammable species in parks and shared woods.
- Planting native, less-flammable trees that naturally hold more moisture and shed fewer dry leaves.
- Raising awareness about which plants help keep gardens safer.
By swapping out risky bushes and making space for safer greenery, communities take a hands-on step to keep wildfires away from homes and schools.
Everyday Habits That Stop Fires Starting
Wildfires often begin with small, everyday actions that spiral out of control. By adjusting our daily routines, we can cut down on the sparks that start dangerous fires. Here’s how a few simple habits can make your home, campsite or weekend walks much safer for everyone.
Safe BBQ and Campfire Practices
Barbecues and campfires are classic warm-weather activities, but both come with real wildfire risks if handled carelessly. You don’t need to skip the fun; just take extra care with every flame.
- Keep BBQs and grills far from dry brush and overhanging branches. Dry grass, twigs, and leaves catch quickly, so only set up on bare earth or non-flammable surfaces.
- Always fully put out coals or embers. Pour water over them and stir to cool every last bit, even if they look cold.
- Use metal fire pits when camping or in your garden. Metal helps contain sparks far better than open ground or a circle of loose stones.
- Take all BBQ waste home in a sealable bag. Dispose of cold ash, coals, and burnt sticks properly, never leaving them behind at parks or picnic sites.
Even the best-planned cookout can end badly if you walk away before every ember is dead cold. These habits protect your food, your friends, and the wild spaces we all love to visit.
Proper Disposal of Cigarettes and Waste
The flick of a cigarette or careless litter can start fires in seconds, especially when the land is dry. Small actions matter most when it comes to these common risks.
- Drop cigarettes and spent matches into metal containers with a lid. Never toss them on the ground or into the bush, even if you think they’re out.
- Carry a pocket ashtray if you smoke while hiking or at the beach. They’re easy to find and keep embers contained until you can safely empty them.
- Pick up glass bottles or broken glass when you spot them outdoors. Sunlight passing through glass acts like a magnifying glass, sparking dry grass or leaves beneath. A simple tidy-up on your walks does far more good than you might think.
If everyone got into these habits, we’d see fewer fires starting in parks, woodlands, and even city green spaces.
Avoid Fire Lanterns and Flammable Paints
We all love the warm glow of lanterns at parties or the fresh look of painted wood, but both can trigger fires if we skip safety checks.
- Never release fire lanterns, sky lanterns, or similar objects outdoors. They can tumble over, snag on trees, or drift for miles before starting blazes where they land. Even a gentle breeze turns them into a fire risk.
- Choose LED lights or lanterns over flame-based ones. They’re much safer, easy to recharge, and stay cool to the touch.
- Avoid oil-based and linseed-oil paints in hot months. Rags soaked in linseed or oil paint can spontaneously catch fire as they dry and heat builds up. When using, soak rags in water and cover safely, until secure disposal.
- Pick water-based, non-flammable paints for outdoor projects. They dry fast and lower the odds of smouldering waste in sheds and bins.
When you clear away lanterns or store painting materials, always follow the label instructions and keep them separate from other rubbish. Safe choices here mean less worry and no unwanted drama at home or in the wild.
Community and Policy Steps
Stopping wildfires is not just about what you do at home or on holiday. Wider action, from community reporting to policy changes, makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping forests and towns safe. We all have a role in shaping safer habits and supporting policies that prevent major disasters before they happen.
Report Smouldering Debris and Illegal Burning
Spotting a small problem early can make the difference between a minor scare and a huge wildfire. If you see smouldering logs, unattended bonfires, or signs of illegal waste burning, don’t ignore it. Act quickly and report it to the local council or fire service. Many areas have direct lines for these emergencies.
If you’re not sure who to call, save this template in your phone or post it on your fridge:
- Local council fire hazard line: 0XXX XXX XXXX
- Fire service non-emergency: 0XXX XXX XXXX
Don’t wait for someone else to act. Fast reporting means response teams can stamp out risky fires before they take off. Encourage neighbours and friends to keep an eye out too, especially during hot, dry weather. A phone call today helps protect the land tomorrow.
If you see litter that could become a fire risk (say old tyres or abandoned vehicles), report to Fix My Street. These public reports are sent to your local council, with updates.
Ban New Eucalyptus Plantations
Eucalyptus might look green and healthy, but it’s one of the world’s most flammable trees. Its rapid growth, oily leaves, and shedding bark make wildfires worse wherever it’s planted.
In Australia and California, eucalyptus also boosts local fire dangers. If you live in or near these regions, support policies that restrict more eucalyptus planting.
Why does this matter?
- Eucalyptus burns hotter and faster than most local trees.
- After fires, it grows back even thicker, making the next wildfire worse.
- Other trees and plants can’t compete, leading to fields packed with the same fire-prone species.
Contact your local council or join grassroots groups calling for sensible planting rules. Share what you’ve learned with others too; many people don’t realise how risky these trees can be.
Lifestyle Choices for a Cooler Future
Stopping wildfires at the source does not just depend on fire bans or fast emergency response. What we choose at home shapes how likely wildfires are to start and how badly they can spread. Every small decision about how we build, fuel, and live can tip the odds in favour of a safer, cooler future.
Choose Non‑Flammable Materials
If you live in or near an area where fires break out, picking the right home materials can make all the difference. Many homes still use wooden siding or roofing, which can catch fire quickly if a stray ember lands.
Choosing non‑flammable options gives your home a fighting chance. For outside walls or roofs, go for brick, stone, or metal instead of wood. These materials are much harder for fire to ignite. They slow down flames and keep fire from spreading from one home to the next.
You can also:
- Install metal mesh screens over vents and under decks to stop embers sneaking in.
- Use gravel or stone paths instead of wood decking near entrances.
- Swap wooden fences for metal or stone where they meet the house.
Making these swaps is like putting your home in a suit of armour. It protects your family, neighbours, and the entire street. Insurance companies sometimes even offer discounts for using fire-safe materials, making it easier to justify the cost.
Switch to Renewable Energy
Hotter, longer fire seasons are fuelled by climate change. The more greenhouse gases we send up by burning coal, oil, and gas, the warmer and drier things get. That means more wildfires, and more days spent breathing smoky air.
Switching to renewable energy at home tackles the problem at its root. Solar panels on your roof or buying wind power from your energy supplier means less carbon goes into the air. Over time, this helps slow the warming that dries out forests and grasslands.
Thinking of making the switch? These options are within reach:
- Install solar panels if your roof gets good sunlight.
- Choose a green tariff from your electricity provider.
- Join a local solar co‑op or community energy scheme to share costs.
The more homes that run on sunshine or wind, the less we rely on fossil fuels. When whole neighbourhoods commit to clean power, the impact spreads much further than each home’s front door.
Reduce Carbon Footprint Daily
Not every change needs to be big and expensive. Little shifts in daily life add up over months and years, making our towns cooler and less fire-prone.
Here are three simple ways to cut your personal carbon emissions:
- Bike, walk, or use public transport more often. Every journey not taken by car means less petrol burned and fewer emissions heating the planet.
- Eat less meat and more plants. Animal farming produces loads of greenhouse gases. Choosing beans, vegetables, and fruits—especially from local farms—means a lighter step on the earth and less pressure on wild habitats.
- Support local farms and markets. Food grown nearby travels shorter distances. That means fewer emissions from lorries and planes, as well as more resilient local economies.
Pick a few habits that fit your routine. Replace a beef burger with a bean one, once a week. Leave the car at home when heading to the park. Buy fruit from a local stall, not one shipped halfway round the world.
When lots of us make these choices, the effect multiplies. Cleaner air, cooler streets, and less fire risk for everyone. It may feel like a drop in the ocean, but enough drops become a wave. Making climate‑friendly choices is not just about protecting nature—it is about enjoying a safer, brighter home now and for generations to come.
How We Can Help Cuddly Koala Bears
Koala: The Cuddly Marsupial from Australia is a beautifully illustrated guide for young readers, on this iconic animal that is also a barometer for how we treat the planet, due to issues they face from wildfires caused by climate change. Koalas spend 15 hours asleep, and love to eat eucalyptus leaves.
Koala is the story of an Australian biologist’s journey to learn about these complex mysterious animals. Although they regularly appeared in her backyard, it was only when a bushfire threatened them, that she truly paid them attention.
Born the size of tiny jellybeans, joeys face an uphill battle – from crawling into their mother’s pouch to being weaned onto a toxic diet of gum-tree leaves (their single source of food). But koalas are now threatened with extinction from disease, climate change and wildfires.
If you choose aromatherapy oils, only choose from brands that ensure sustainability (no chainsaws used to chop down trees where koala bears live). Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy/nursing and near babies or pets.
Conclusion
Wildfires are getting worse as the planet warms, but the everyday steps we take at home and together as a community make real difference. Keeping gardens green, picking safer building materials, reporting risks early, and making planet-friendly choices all help to lower the odds of disaster. When we choose cleaner energy and support local efforts, we slow down climate change while protecting the places we care about most.
Share these tips with friends, neighbours, and family to help spread the word and keep your area safer. Every small change counts towards a cooler, safer planet for everyone. Thanks for reading, and if you have more ideas or tips, let others know – it all helps.
How Italy’s Tuscany is Reducing Wildfires
Italy is a fairly new country (only 200 years or so) formed by mushing together parts of Austria and Germany. Vatican City and San Marino (located on the Adriatic Coast) are independent states. But one of the most popular tourist destinations is central Tuscany.
But rising temperatures combined with over-tourism has led to many wildfires, so locals are now serious about reducing temperatures and encouraging eco responsible tourism.
Read more on how to preventing wildfires.
the Wildfire Challenge in Tuscany
Wildfires in Tuscany have always occurred, but recent years brought a shift in scale and speed. Hotter summers set the stage. A stray spark from machinery, a tossed cigarette, or an abandoned burn pile is enough to start a fast-moving fire when vegetation is tinder-dry.
Between 2020 and 2024, Italy saw sharp swings in fire activity. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), Italy lost over 150,000 hectares to wildfire in 2021, well above the long-term average. Burned area dropped in 2022 and again in 2023, yet conditions still produced intense local events during heatwaves. Tuscany mirrored this pattern, with fewer but more severe incidents clustered in peak heat.
The impacts reach beyond trees. Fires damage farm buildings, harm vineyards and olive groves, and displace wildlife. Rural tourism suffers when trails close and views turn to ash. In 2022, the Massarosa fire in the province of Lucca drove hundreds from their homes and scorched mixed woodland near the Serchio plain. Similar scenes have played out in coastal scrub and inland hills, from the Maremma to the Apennines.
Action is needed now because warming trends compress the window for safe intervention. Vegetation dries out earlier, fire seasons lengthen, and lightning storms arrive after weeks without rain. Crews must detect fires faster, reach remote sites sooner, and meet flames with less fuel to burn. That is why Tuscany’s strategy focuses on prevention and speed, not only on suppression once fire is raging.
Key Causes Behind the Rise in Fires
- Drought and heat: Long dry periods cure grass and brush, then hot winds lift embers into the canopy. Fire spreads quickly across slopes and into road verges.
- Abandoned land: Shrub grows dense on terraces and field edges left untended. This continuous fuel bed helps flames move from ravines to homes.
- Careless behaviour: Summer barbecues, cigarette butts, and poorly managed burn piles are common triggers. Strikes from farm machinery or power lines also start fires.
Locals can spot risks early by watching for piles of dry cuttings, blocked tracks that delay crews, and illegal burns. Reporting to 112 or regional hotlines helps wardens reach a site before smoke becomes a column.
Lessons from Recent Fire Seasons
The Massarosa blaze in 2022 offers a clear lesson. A heatwave had dried pine litter, and afternoon winds funneled through valleys. Fire jumped tracks and approached homes above the A11 motorway. Evacuations followed, and water-bombing helicopters worked into the evening. Crews later noted that unmanaged fuel along woodland edges made containment harder.
In 2021, parts of southern Tuscany saw clusters of smaller fires during hot weeks. Farmers and vineyard workers often became first reporters, calling in smoke plumes from ridgelines. Where tracks were clear, ground crews boxed fires in quickly. Where brush lined lanes, access slowed.
Practical Steps Tuscany Takes to Fight Fires
Tuscany reduces fire risk by removing fuel and speeding response. The approach blends traditional land care with modern tools, and it pulls in support from the regional government, municipalities, and EU programmes.
Across provinces such as Siena and Grosseto, land agencies and forest consortia cut fire breaks, thin dense stands, and clear dry brush along strategic lines. These strips act like valves, slowing flames and giving crews safe places to work. In oak and pine forests, undergrowth removal lowers flame height, so crown fires are less likely.
Grazing is a quiet hero. Goats and sheep munch through scrub on slopes where machines struggle. Managed grazing contracts focus on high-risk belts near villages, roads, and power lines. This living brush-cutter reduces fine fuels without heavy machinery, and it keeps terraces open for access.
Rural councils and road authorities mow verges earlier and more often during heat spells. Rail operators manage vegetation along tracks to cut spark risk. Farmers are urged to harvest earlier in the day and maintain spark arrestors on equipment. Many of these efforts receive partial funding from EU rural development funds and LIFE projects that target fire prevention and habitat restoration.
Local fire services, volunteer associations, and the Carabinieri Forestali coordinate patrols during red flag days. Lookout points and mobile units watch known ignition corridors, such as picnic areas, lay-bys, and ridge roads. When smoke appears, rapid attack teams move in with water tanks, hand tools, and bulldozers to build lines.
Public rules matter. Summer bans on open flames in high-risk periods are now common, with clear fines and signage. Waste removal points take garden cuttings so residents do not burn piles at home.
Trails may close briefly during peak risk, then reopen after weather improves. These short measures help avoid long closures after a large fire.
Smart Forest Management Techniques
Tuscany applies low-intensity prescribed burns in select sites to clear leaf litter without harming soils. Foresters plant or favour species that handle heat better, such as cork oak in the Maremma. Regular patrols check illegal dumps, blocked tracks, and fuel build-up. The result is a healthier mosaic, less prone to large fires and better for wildlife.
Eucalyptus trees however are highly flammable, which is why there is concern over over-planting for the Tencil fashion, compostable chocolate/coffee packaging and essential oils industries.
Role of Technology in Early Detection
Drones scan ridgelines at dawn when winds are calm, mapping hot spots after lightning. Satellite feeds from Copernicus and EFFIS flag thermal anomalies and high-risk zones, so patrols focus where it counts. Smartphone apps and 112 calls route photos and GPS locations straight to command rooms. Italian firms such as Leonardo support aerial assets and sensing systems that speed dispatch and improve safety.
Building Community Awareness
Schools run fire safety units each spring. Children learn simple rules, then carry them home. Volunteer groups host clean-up days to remove dry brush near villages. Summer radio spots and roadside boards remind residents to avoid open flames and to report smoke at once. Community reporting turns dozens of eyes into an early warning net.
Results So Far and What Lies Ahead
There is clear progress. Regional data point to fewer large fires in 2024 compared with the peak years earlier in the decade, and faster containment when they do occur. Fuel reduction around towns has cut the number of evacuations. The share of fires stopped in the first few hours has increased where tracks are kept open and crews have water access.
Challenges remain. Funding must cover routine maintenance, not only emergency response. Some slopes are hard to treat, and private plots can sit neglected between managed areas. Climate pressure is relentless, with dry spells arriving earlier and lasting longer. That calls for steady investment, better coordination across landowners, and public patience when restrictions come into force.
Future plans focus on climate adaptation. Land managers are joining up fire breaks to form wider buffers, especially near the wildland urban interface. Pilot projects test drought-tolerant mixes in replanting. Technology will play a larger role, from AI smoke detection to shared data platforms that guide patrol routes in real time. EU initiatives, including the Civil Protection Mechanism and LIFE, continue to support training and prevention infrastructure.
Visitors can help too. Walk early, carry water, respect trail closures, and never light fires in the countryside. If you see smoke, call 112 and give a clear location. A single calm phone call can save a hillside of olives.
Measuring the Impact of These Efforts
EFFIS data show Italy’s burned area spiked in 2021 at over 150,000 hectares, then fell in 2022 and 2023 as prevention and conditions improved. Tuscany followed that downward trend, with fewer large events and faster control during peak risk periods. Regional reports credit fuel breaks, better access, and rapid attack teams with reducing area burned and protecting homes on the edge of forests.
Future Plans to Keep Tuscany Safe
The region plans to expand grazing corridors, increase prescribed burns in safe windows, and upgrade rural water points for engines and helicopters. Partnerships with universities and Mediterranean neighbours will share techniques on drought-ready forests. Visitors and residents can support this work by choosing eco-friendly stays, joining local volunteer days, and reporting hazards before the next heatwave.
