Stats reveal over 2,000 deliberate grass fires in Wales
In 2025, fire services across Wales attended 3,474 grass fire incidents - a 275% increase on the previous year
As the seasons shift and warmer weather begins to arrive, The Wales Wildfire Board are urging everyone to follow safety advice to avoid grass and wild fires.
In 2025, fire services across Wales attended 3,474 grass fire incidents - a 275% increase on the previous year
Deliberate grass fires also rose to 2,357 incidents, an increase of 1,694 fires (up 256%).
The board says the statistics represent the highest number of grass fires since 2018, "highlighting a deeply worrying trend that puts people, property, wildlife, and vital community resources at risk".
At this time of year, the board warns how grass and mountainsides can dry out quickly; and a small spark -accidental or deliberate - can escalate into a fast‑moving fire capable of destroying habitats, landscapes, and homes within minutes.
A collection of fire and rescue services are now raising awareness about the potential dangers of wildfires, with a campaign aimed at encouraging people to be more vigilant when out enjoying the countryside and proactive in reporting suspicious activities that can lead to fires.
Andrew Wright, Chair of the Wales Wildfire Board said:
“Our Wildfire Wise campaign draws on over a decade of experience in tackling wildfires across Wales, but the scale of last year’s incidents was truly unprecedented. The surge in grass fires we saw in 2025 shows just how urgently we all need to act to protect our countryside and keep our communities safe.
“It’s vital that we work together to build a healthier, more resilient, and biodiverse landscape for the future. Whilst accidents can happen, many are avoidable, and our campaign highlights the simple steps we can all take to prevent grass fires from starting.
“We’re committed to working with communities, farmers, and landowners to share knowledge about the impact of both deliberate and accidental fires. We recognise that controlled burns can support biodiversity, and we’re available to offer free advice on how to carry them out safely.
“And while some fires are accidental, others are set deliberately. This is a criminal act that puts lives at risk and places unnecessary pressure on frontline services — pressure we saw all too clearly during last year’s unprecedented spike in incidents.”