Wildfire2026
Programme

Wildfire is no longer a distant, rare or exceptional risk for the UK. It is becoming an increasingly common and disruptive feature of our changing climate, with consequences for landscapes, communities, ecosystems, infrastructure and emergency services. In 2025, the UK experienced its worst year for wildfire on record, and the Dava Moor wildfire in Scotland has since been described by researchers as the UK’s first recorded “megafire”.

The warning signs have continued into 2026, with several wildfires across the UK placing renewed pressure on fire and rescue services, land managers, communities and emergency planners. During the July heatwave, emergency services were reported to be dealing with multiple severe wildfires across Britain, with major incidents declared in parts of Wales and Derbyshire.

Against this backdrop, the theme of Wildfire2026, “New Perspectives, Shared Solutions”, could not be more timely. Fire and rescue services, land managers, researchers, policymakers, insurers, emergency planners, conservation bodies, communities and international partners each hold a vital piece of the puzzle. The question is no longer simply whether wildfires will happen, but how prepared we are to anticipate, prevent, respond to and recover from them together.

Across two days, Wildfire2026 brings these perspectives together. Through keynote addresses, expert sessions, panel discussions, posters and interactive workshops, the programme will explore wildfire governance, habitat management, community preparedness, the wildland urban interface, infrastructure risk, fire behaviour modelling, decision-support tools and lessons from major incidents in the UK and overseas.

At its heart, Wildfire2026 is about shared responsibility. Preparing for wildfire cannot rest with one organisation, profession or community alone. It demands new thinking, stronger partnerships and practical solutions shaped by many voices.