Moorland and woodland fire risk is high across the UK. Here's what to do if you spot smoke on a ride — including how to give the fire service your exact location.
Don’t tackle the fire.
Seems like odd advice. And so very British.... Couldn't they say something more nuanced like don't expose yourself to too much danger by tackling the fire?
If you haven’t already, self evacuate the area as soon as possible. These fires can spread fast.
So isn't it therefore important to try to tackle it asap?
Good and timely advice. We have suffered many heathland fires in recent years here in Dorset, unfortunately a good proportion of them started deliberately or by people stupidly having camp fires or BBQ's. The picture below is of Holt Heath (taken June 2026) and only shows a very small portion of the damage caused by a major fire in 2025, it is a long long way from recovering after 170+ acres were destroyed.
