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General UK Law
No specific law against fires on private land BUT:
Landowner permission required:
- Fire = potential damage (criminal if intentional)
- Can be sued for damage (civil)
Fire bans:
- During dry conditions (regional bans possible)
- Specific areas (heathland, moorland, forests)
- Follow notices (when posted)
Criminal fire offenses:
- Arson (intentional fire damage)
- Reckless endangerment
- Wildfire started through negligence (can be prosecuted)
Forest Fires (Serious Consequences)
UK wildfires increasing:
- Climate change = drier conditions
- 2022 saw unprecedented moorland fires
If you start wildfire (even accidentally):
- Criminal prosecution possible
- Civil liability (damages – can be £millions)
- Ecological devastation (decades to recover)
Fire safety essential:
- Clear area (mineral soil, remove flammables)
- Water/extinguisher accessible
- NEVER leave unattended
- Fully extinguish (cold to touch)
- Consider fire risk (drought = NO fires)
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