NFU Mutual’s new Farm Fires Report has revealed that fires cost farmers in the North West an estimated £7.6m in 2025, up 78% from the previous year, devastating the region’s farming communities.

Home to ancient woodland, farmland and the Lake District, the North West sees tens of millions of people flocking to enjoy its scenery every year, but sadly this increased visitor traffic can amplify what is already a substantial fire risk.

Across the UK, record temperatures and hours of sunshine in 2025 saw the cost of fires to farmers’ increase 18% to an estimated £118m while fires relating to agricultural vehicles added another £32m.

Agricultural vehicles often operate at extremely high temperatures, with the hot, dry weather of the previous two summers meaning a spark can quickly become a dangerous fire. Tractor fires made up over half of vehicle costs in the UK, at £16.1m, while combine harvester fires cost £4.8m in 2025.

The primary causes of fires involving crops, buildings and equipment on farms were arson, lightning strikes, and electrical faults.

With the prolonged heat and dry weather continuing into 2026, where temperature records across the country have again been broken, the rural community is shouldering a substantial risk of fires, especially during periods of harvest.

Owen Suckley, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for the North West, said: “Our region knows only too well the risks of farm fires and wildfires, which can quickly get out of control, with the recent announcement of special wildfire bases in Lancashire and Greater Manchester a testament to the scale of the problem.

“Sadly, a new approach to fighting large-scale fires will be needed. As the UK recorded the highest temperatures and most hours of sunshine on record in 2025, and 2026 seeing more extreme dry periods record temperatures, the risk of uncontrollable blazes has never been higher.

“The aftermath of this can be grave, threatening farm operations and traumatising those involved, as well as disrupting essential infrastructure which can further affect the wider community.

"Farmers do what they can to minimise risk, but prevention cannot fall to farmers alone. Stronger policy is needed, more than ever, to help tackle the causes of farm fires and protect rural businesses from their devastating impact.”

Area	2024 estimated cost	2025 estimated cost	% cost change
East	£8.7m	£23.9m	+173%
Midlands	£10m	£6.7m	-33%
North East	£17.8m	£16.3m	-9%
North West	£4.3m	£7.6m	+78%
Northern Ireland	£6.9m	£11.8m	+73%
Scotland	£12m	£14.7m	+22%
South East	£12.8m	£12.4m	-3%
South West	£22.8m	£18.2m	-20%
Wales	£4.8m	£6.2m	+29%
UK Source: NFU Mutual	£102m	£118m	+18%

Figures rounded to the nearest £100,000. Percentage difference based on exact claims figures. The costs do not include agricultural vehicle fires.

The North West recorded the second-highest cost increase in farm fires last year, with the East of England recording a devastating 173% cost rise.

Although regions such as the South West saw a 22% cost decrease, farm fires still cost an estimated £18.2m. The Midlands saw the biggest fall in cost, down 33% from £10 million from £6.7m.

To manage the risk, NFU Mutual Risk Management Services offers pre-harvest training workshops to help farmers familiarise themselves with fire prevention tactics to help minimise fire breakouts across farms nationally.

NFU Mutual also supports the adoption of accredited fire suppression systems, providing agricultural vehicle insurance discounts to policyholders who install approved equipment onto combine harvesters.

The latest NFU Mutual Farm Fires Report can be accessed here.