“Most wildfires in Surrey are caused by human activity and are preventable,” said the partnership, which includes Surrey County Council and land managers like the National Trust.<\/p>\n
“But everyone can do their bit to keep wildlife, people and property safe.”<\/p>\n
The organisations said extreme temperatures were already affecting Surrey and “now is the time for extra vigilance”.<\/p>\n
Marli Holland, rural affairs officer at the fire service, said: “Wildfires can cause devastating damage to our countryside, wildlife and local communities, often taking years to recover.<\/p>\n
“We’re urging people to take simple steps to reduce the risk.”<\/p>\n
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Heathland such as Whitmoor Common has already been struck by wildfire in 2026 [Surrey County Council]<\/p>\n
Several wildfires have broken out in the county already in 2026, including at protected sites like Hankley Common<\/a>, Blackheath Common and Whitmoor Common<\/a>.<\/p>\n The National Trust said four barbecue fires were put out during the May Bank Holiday weekend at its Box Hill site alone.<\/p>\n Over 650 acres (263 hectares) of heathland burned in one fire at Pirbright Ranges<\/a> in 2022.<\/p>\n James Herd, director of reserves management at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said in total about 2,500 acres of the trust’s land was damaged by fire that year.<\/p>\n “That risk will undoubtedly be made worse as our climate becomes increasingly Mediterranean due to climate change,” he said.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook<\/a>, on X<\/a>, and on Instagram<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk<\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n More on this storyRelated internet links