- A disasterologist from Aston University is calling for the UK to adopt a community-led approach to wildfire resilience
- Local organisations and residents could play a vital role in reducing impact
- New partnerships would bring together fire and rescue service and, local authorities, among others.
A disasterologist from Aston University is calling for the UK to adopt a community-led approach to wildfire resilience, arguing that stronger partnerships between emergency services, local organisations and residents could play a vital role in reducing the impact of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires.
Dr Komal Raj Aryal, lecturer in crisis and disaster management at Aston Business School, says that as climate change continues to drive hotter, drier conditions across parts of the UK, there is a growing need for a national community-based wildfire resilience programme that complements the work of professional fire and rescue services.
Drawing on successful initiatives in countries including Australia, Canada, Portugal, Taiwan and the United States, Dr Aryal says the approach would focus on prevention, preparedness and public engagement, helping communities reduce wildfire risk, improve early reporting and minimise damage to people, property and the environment.
Central to the proposal would be the creation of new Community Wildfire Resilience Partnerships in areas at greatest risk, including rural communities, peri-urban locations and wildland-urban interfaces around major population centres such as Greater London.
These partnerships would bring together fire and rescue services, local authorities, schools, faith organisations, environmental charities, farmers, landowners, businesses and community volunteers.
Dr Aryal also recommends introducing regular community workshops, described as "wildfire surgeries", to provide residents with practical advice on wildfire prevention, responsible countryside behaviour, property protection, vegetation management, evacuation planning and emergency communications.
Practical activities could include local risk mapping, citizen science projects, habitat restoration, evacuation exercises and volunteering opportunities, helping to build long-term community resilience while developing future environmental leaders.
Faith-based organisations are also identified as key partners because of their strong community networks and trusted local presence. Churches, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and other places of worship could help communicate preparedness messages, support vulnerable residents during emergencies and assist with volunteer mobilisation.
Meanwhile, local plant nurseries, tree nurseries and garden centres could play a greater role in promoting fire-resilient landscaping and vegetation management. These organisations could provide advice on suitable plant species, host community awareness events and support local habitat restoration and fire-resistant tree-planting initiatives that benefit both biodiversity and climate adaptation.
Dr Aryal, said:
“By embedding wildfire awareness across schools, community groups, faith organisations and local businesses, the proposals aim to create a whole-of-society approach to resilience that reduces human-caused ignitions and strengthens the UK's capacity to respond to the growing impacts of climate change.
“Under the recommendations, community volunteers would receive training in wildfire awareness, safe reporting procedures, first aid, evacuation and emergency shelters / rest centres planning and post-fire recovery. Their role would remain focused on prevention, preparedness and public education, rather than operational firefighting.”
