Surrey Fire and Rescue raise wildfire risk to high

Surrey Fire and Rescue say the risk of wildfires is particularly high at the moment due to an increase in temperatures, as well as spells of dry weather.

The Met Office uses a system called the Fire Severity Index (FSI) to gauge the risk of a wildfire spreading if it were to ignite, and it maps which areas of the UK are vulnerable at any given time. In Surrey, parts of the county are currently described as being at “very high” risk of wildfires – the second highest category on the index.

Help prevent wildfire

Guidelines from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service suggest

• swap BBQs, camping stoves and open fires for picnics in a bid to prevent wildfires
• dispose of any smoking materials properly. Throwing cigarette ends on the ground or out of a car window can start a wildfire
• take all litter home as glass and metal can magnify the power of sun and start fires

Be prepared at home

It may seem unlikely that your home or business may become threatened by wildfire, but it pays to be prepared!

• avoid garden bonfires and consider the potential for a wildfire to spread onto your land
• reduce or remove areas of high fuel close to your home or business (vegetation, bushes or piles of leaves)
• be aware that dense areas of vegetation, hedges, timber fences or sheds, and dry undergrowth will allow a fire to spread from an open space to your home or business
• create an evacuation plan, including a list of essentials you and your family would need in an emergency

Last updated 1st May 2026