Complex terrain
Remote access, varied vegetation and long incident durations can make prevention, preparation and recovery challenging.
A voluntary organisation in development
Prepared people.
Stronger resilience.
Wildfire Response UK is developing a disciplined national model for trained volunteers to strengthen prevention, preparedness and—where formally requested—support to the UK’s professional wildfire response.
No self-deployment
Wildfire Response UK does not attend incidents unless formally requested through an agreed partner arrangement. In an emergency, call 999 and follow official instructions.
StatusOrganisation and operating model in development
PurposeStrengthen UK wildfire resilience through trained volunteers
PrincipleSupport professional services—never replace them
The challenge
Wildfire risk is changing. Resilience must change with it.
Periods of dry, hot and windy weather can create demanding wildfire conditions across the UK. Incidents may stretch resources, affect communities and place pressure on land, infrastructure and the environment.
Shared responsibility
Effective resilience joins up Fire & Rescue Services, land managers, government, voluntary responders and local communities.
Prepared capacity
Trained, governed and partner-led volunteers could add useful capacity before, around and after incidents—within clear limits.
Our model
Built with partners.
Activated through partners.
The proposed model is being designed around clear governance, recognised competence and local operational arrangements. It is not yet a live service.
Partner-led design
Start with the needs, risks and command structures of responsible agencies and land managers.
Defined competence
Develop role profiles, training pathways, welfare standards and proportionate assurance.
Local relationships
Build trusted arrangements before they are needed, with responsibilities agreed in advance.
Controlled activation
Any future support would happen only when formally requested and within an agreed structure.
Working with Fire & Rescue Services
Professional command remains clear.
Wildfire Response UK is intended to complement—not duplicate or replace—the statutory responsibilities, specialist capabilities or incident command of UK Fire & Rescue Services.
Request-led
No attendance without formal activation through an agreed route.
Role-defined
Volunteers operate only within trained, assessed and authorised roles.
Command-aligned
Any incident-related activity sits within the responsible service’s arrangements.
Safety-first
Dynamic risk, competence, welfare and accountability shape every decision.
Help shape the next stage
Resilience is built before the smoke appears.
We welcome early conversations with Fire & Rescue Services, public bodies, land managers, rescue organisations and people interested in a future volunteer pathway.