UK Government backing underlines significance of the UK Wildfire Conference and the rising national wildfire risk
THE 2026 UK Wildfire Conference has received significant support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, highlighting the growing importance of wildfire as a major resilience issue for the UK.
The 2026 UK Wildfire Conference, due to take place on 10 and 11 November in Leeds, is now officially sponsored by the UK Government under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the department responsible for all national fire functions.
The support represents an important endorsement for the conference and reflects the increasing national focus on wildfire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. In recent years, the UK has experienced a growing number of significant wildfire events, with impacts being felt across rural and urban communities, landscapes, infrastructure and emergency services.
Wildfire2026 will bring together experts, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, land managers, and more on 10 and 11 November 2026at Headingly Stadium, Leeds to share learning, discuss emerging challenges and strengthen collaboration across sectors. The conference theme, “New Perspectives, Shared Solutions”, reflects the need for coordinated action and cross-sector working in response to the changing wildfire risk.
Professor Gareth Clay, Chair of the UK Wildfire Conference 2026 Steering Group, said:
“The involvement of MHCLG sends a clear signal that wildfire is now firmly established as a significant national issue, not only in areas traditionally associated with wildfire such as moorland and heath, but increasingly in rural-urban interfaces and communities across the UK. It also demonstrates the Government’s willingness to engage with the wildfire community and support opportunities for shared learning, partnership and practical action.”
Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, Samantha Dixon said:
“Wildfires are an increasing resilience challenge, affecting people, property and the natural environment. As these risks grow, we are determined to strengthen how we prevent, prepare, respond to and recover from them.
“I welcome the UK Wildfire Conference for bringing together experts across sectors to share learning and drive stronger collaboration. This is vital to building a more resilient national approach and protecting communities and landscapes across the UK.”
MHCLG’s sponsorship will support the delivery of the conference programme and help ensure the event remains accessible to a wide range of delegates from across the national and international wildfire community.
Delegates at Wildfire2026 will hear from leading experts on the latest research, innovation and practice in wildfire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The event will provide opportunities for discussion, networking and collaboration, helping attendees take new ideas and connections back into their own organisations and teams.
For more information or to buy tickets please visit:
https://ukwildfireconference.co.uk/attend
Press Contact
Katrina Candy
Director
The Heather Trust
E: katrina.candy@heathertrust.co.uk
About EWWF
The England and Wales Wildfire Forum (EWWF) is a multi-agency stakeholder group of public, private and third-sector parties which works to address wildfire issues.
The forum is a voluntary strategic body, independent of government, created to expand knowledge and understanding of wildfire, with the overall purpose of reducing the harmful impact of wildfires by promoting joint working and collaboration.
England and Wales Wildfire Forum | Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service
About The Heather Trust
The Heather Trust works to promote the sustainable management of uplands and heather moorlands across the UK. By supporting collaboration between land managers, policymakers, and researchers, the Trust aims to enhance environmental resilience and biodiversity.
About MHCLG
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is central to the mission-driven government, from fixing the foundations of an affordable home to handing power back to communities and rebuilding local governments.