UK farm fire costs rise to £118 million amid record temperatures

A new Farm Fires Report from NFU Mutual indicates that the cost of fires to farmers in the United Kingdom rose by 18% in 2025, reaching an estimated £118 million. This increase follows record temperatures and high sunshine hours.

In Scotland, the cost of farm fires reached an estimated £14.7 million, a 22% increase from the previous year. The North West region of England saw a more significant spike, with costs rising 78% to approximately £7.6 million.

Agricultural vehicle fires contributed an additional £32 million to the total costs. Tractor fires accounted for over half of these vehicle-related expenses at £16.1 million, while combine harvester fires cost £4.8 million. The report identifies arson, lightning strikes, and electrical faults as the primary causes of fires involving crops, buildings, and equipment. Experts noted that extreme dry periods and high operating temperatures of machinery increase the risk of sparks turning into uncontrollable blazes.