Live-fire military exercises have triggered hundreds of wildfires across the UK countryside since 2023. Exploding shells often make these fires too dangerous for firefighters to tackle.
Fire crews fighting a vast moorland blaze in North Yorkshire this month faced threats from bombs and tank shells dating back to Second World War training. The remnants of past conflicts continue to complicate fire control efforts.
Figures reveal that of 439 wildfires on Ministry of Defence (MoD) land between January 2023 and last month, 385 were caused directly by current army exercises.
The MoD stated it has a comprehensive wildfire policy that monitors risks and limits live ammunition when needed. Residents near fire sites say the Ministry should do more, including banning live-fire training during the driest months.
Causes of wildfires
Wildfires in rural areas can start from many sources, including discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, barbecues, and deliberate arson. Dry, hot conditions and dense vegetation worsen the scale of fires.
Data obtained from official sources shows 1,178 wildfires linked to current MoD training sites since 2020. Of 134 wildfires in the first six months of this year, 101 were caused by military exercises.
More than 80 of these fires occurred in “Range Danger Areas,” or impact zones. These zones are so hazardous that firefighters usually cannot enter, leaving fires to burn under containment measures like firebreaks.
Smoke from these fires often closes roads, disrupts local life, and poses health risks. Residents must keep windows closed during the hottest parts of summer, despite the intense heat.
Concerns from local communities
A villager near Salisbury Plain said wildfires, including one in May, are a “perennial problem” and urged stricter controls on live ordnance during peak summer months.
Neil Lockhart from Great Cheverell, Wiltshire, called the smoke a serious environmental and health concern. People with asthma must keep windows closed, even in extreme heat.
Arable farmer Tim Daw, whose land overlooks the Salisbury Plain training site, said he has witnessed three or four major fires this year. He described the smoke as only a mild annoyance but worried about the impact on wildlife and the landscape. The affected areas often resemble a “burnt savannah,” he said.
Despite these issues, he praised the MoD for proactively keeping residents informed about fire risks and ongoing problems on their land.
The legacy of wartime ordnance
Old unexploded ordnance from past military training complicates wildfire response. A major fire on Langdale Moor in North York Moors National Park has been burning since Monday, 11 August, with bombs exploding in areas once used for Second World War exercises.
Landowner George Winn-Darley criticized the presence of live ordnance, saying the peat fire produced “an enormous cloud of pollution” that could have been prevented. He called for the MoD to clear remaining munitions, calling it a basic requirement even 80 years after the war ended.
The MoD clarified that the Langdale fire did not start on its current land but an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team responded four times at police requests. They confirmed Second World War-era projectiles were inert and safely disposed of.
Measures and campaigns
The MoD monitors wildfire risk year-round and restricts ordnance use during periods of elevated fire danger. Impact areas include firebreaks and controlled grazing to reduce combustible vegetation.
The ministry recently launched a “Respect the Range” campaign to educate the public about risks on military land, including live firing, unexploded ordnance, and wildfires.
A spokeswoman for the National Fire Chiefs Council said the organization works closely with the MoD to map munitions, plan fire responses, and advise on safe training schedules. She emphasized that military exercises must consider wildfire risks and conditions to protect both people and the environment.
