Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the answer of 31 October 2025 to Question 84211 on Peatlands: Controlled Burning, (a) what advice the Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council has provided and (b) what assessment has been made by her Department in relation to potential wild fire risks on Dartmoor from changes proposed by Natural England to grazing practices.

The National Fire Chiefs Council provided input to Defra’s consultation on the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations in 2025 and the department continues to engage with them closely on wildfire matters.

Careful choice of land management techniques, including grazing at appropriate levels, is part of the toolkit in reducing the risks and severity of wildfires. However, influencing human behaviour will be essential in preventing most wildfires from starting. On Dartmoor, Natural England has supported and advised on the development and implementation of a strategic Wildfire Management Plan for the Dartmoor commons. This has been funded through Farming in Protected Landscapes in partnership with Dartmoor Commoners Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Dartmoor Fire & Rescue and individual commoners associations. This has funded training in wildfire management and control, the creation of fire breaks for each common and other capital works such river crossings for emergency vehicles.