00:00The South Downs has joined all 15 U.K. national parks in new action to tackle wildfire risk.
00:06The move follows one of the hottest summers on record.
00:09High temperatures and low rainfall have increased wildfire risks across the country.
00:14A 2023 study rated the South Downs at 4.5 out of 5 for severe wildfire risk.
00:20That was the highest rating recorded for any U.K. area in the study.
00:23Low rainfall, summer winds, and extensive grassland make fires particularly difficult to control.
00:29More than 20,000 hectares had burned across affected areas by mid-summer.
00:34In 2025, U.K. wildfires caused more than 460 million in economic damage.
00:40The new plan will strengthen wildfire management and public prevention campaigns.
00:45It will also encourage national parks to share expertise and best practices.
00:50Authorities will work with farmers, landowners, and local councils.
00:54The measures are aimed at reducing future wildfire risks as climate pressures intensify.
00:59Disclosure.
01:00This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
