NFU calls for action as farm fire costs reach £118m
Photograph: Photo Perry Johnson
The NFU has called for stronger fire prevention measures and better support for rural fire services following the publication of NFU Mutual’s latest Farm Fires report.
The NFU has welcomed the publication of the latest NFU Mutual Farm Fires report, which highlights the growing financial and emotional impact of farm fires on agricultural businesses across the UK.
The report found that the estimated cost of farm fires reported to NFU Mutual reached £118 million in 2025, an increase of 18% on the previous year.
At an event hosted by NFU Mutual in Westminster and joined by the NFU, parliamentarians including Dr Peter Prinsley MP and Shadow Efra minister Robbie Moore MP, came together with industry stakeholders and representatives from the farming sector came together to discuss the increasing threat posed by farm fires and wildfires, and the action needed to improve resilience in rural communities.
“It's crucial that the right support is available should an incident take place. Fire services must have proper funding and appropriate equipment and training to respond to blazes in rural areas.”
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt
Growing concern for farming businesses
The NFU welcomed the findings of the report, which reinforce its long-standing concerns about the impact of fires on farming families, businesses and the wider rural economy.
Farm fires continue to pose a serious threat to crops, livestock, machinery and farm infrastructure, with prolonged periods of hot, dry weather increasing the risk of incidents escalating rapidly.
The report also highlights the emotional toll these events can have on farmers and their families, alongside the significant cost of recovery and rebuilding.
In addition to farm fires, agricultural vehicle fires cost an estimated £32 million in 2025, demonstrating the scale of the challenge facing the sector.
“To reduce the likelihood of wildfires, particularly during prolonged periods of dry weather, local authorities should also use Public Spaces Protection Orders to ban campfires and barbecues when the risk is high.”
Robyn Munt
NFU calls for stronger prevention measures
Within the report, NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt emphasises the importance of ensuring farm businesses have access to the support needed to prevent, prepare for and respond to fires.
She highlights the need for adequate funding for rural fire and rescue services and greater collaboration between government, local authorities and industry partners.
“Farm fires can have far-reaching consequences,” she said. “Alongside the financial loss, they can endanger lives and take an emotional toll on those tasked with rebuilding what they have lost, often shaped by years of hard work and investment.
“It's crucial that the right support is available should an incident take place. Fire services must have proper funding and appropriate equipment and training to respond to blazes in rural areas.”
Robyn went on to call on local authorities to use Public Spaces Protection Orders to prohibit campfires and barbecues during periods of heightened wildfire risk, especially in prolonged dry conditions.
“Farmers work hard to reduce the risk of fire, but they cannot do it alone. Greater support is needed to help prevent fires, limit their impact and protect farm businesses and neighbouring communities.”
The NFU suggested a number of measures outlined in the report, including:
- Ensuring rural fire and rescue services have sufficient funding and resources.
- Expanding the use of equipment that enables fire engines to access on-farm water supplies.
- Improving coordination and preparedness for wildfire incidents.
- Encouraging local authorities to restrict high-risk activities during periods of increased fire danger.
- Developing a National Wildfire Strategy to address the growing threat to farmland and rural communities.
MPs hear first-hand about the risks facing rural Britain
The NFU was pleased to join the Mutual at its reception and welcomed the opportunity to speak directly to MPs from across Parliament on the challenges facing farming businesses and the importance of strengthening rural resilience.
The reception provided an opportunity to highlight the practical steps that can be taken to reduce fire risks and ensure rural communities are better protected from the growing threat of farm fires and wildfires.
Working together to protect rural communities
The NFU remains committed to working with government, fire and rescue services, local authorities and industry partners to improve fire prevention and ensure farmers have the support they need to protect their businesses.
With the increased prevalence of hotter, drier conditions and a rising number of outdoor fire incidents, the NFU believes action is needed to safeguard lives, livelihoods and the long-term resilience of British farming and food supply.
Who was at the event?
- Dr Peter Prinsley – Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
- Josh Newbury – Labour MP for Cannock Chase
- Steve Witherden – Labour MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
- Amanda Hack – Labour MP for North West Leicestershire
- Cat Eccles – Labour MP for Stourbridge
- Markus Campbell-Savours – Labour MP for Penrith and Solway
- Alison Hume – Labour MP for Scarborough and Whitby
- Julie Minns – Labour MP for Carlisle
- Andrew Pakes – Peterborough
- Jack Abbott – Labour (Co-op) MP for Ipswich
- Becky Gittins – Labour MP for Clwyd East
- Catherine Fookes – Labour MP for Monmouthshire
- Robbie Moore – Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley and Shadow Efra minister
- John Lamont – Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
- Shivani Raja – Conservative MP for Leicester East
- Jayne Kirkham – Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth
- Mark Pritchard – Conservative MP for The Wrekin
- Alistair Carmichael – Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland and Chair of the Efra Committee
- Bayo Alaba – Independent MP for Southend East and Rochford
