Institute says there is ‘growing need’ for sector to understand the risks and take preventative action due to climate change
The Chartered Institute of Housing has drawn up draft guidance for housing providers on how they can prepare for the risks posed to their homes from wildfires.
The document, out for consultation, includes information about understanding wildfires and their causes, understanding data and risk, working in partnership with local actors to reduce wildfire risk, managing assets and supporting residents.
The CIH in a statement today said wildfires are “set to become a bigger threat due to climate change” and there is a growing need for housing providers to understand the risks and take preventative action.
The institute points to incidents such as the Saddleworth Moor fire in 2018 which led to the evacuation of homes and the blaze in Wennington, east London, during the heatwave in the summer of 2022.
Matthew Scott, policy manager at CIH, said: “Housing professionals are increasingly aware of the risks posed to existing homes and communities by climate change, especially flooding and overheating. However, wildfire risk has not received the same attention in the sector so far.
“According to the Climate Change Committee, the wildfire season is not only becoming longer as a result of climate change, but the number of summer days with conditions highly favourable for wildfires is also increasing.”
The CIH is inviting feedback on the draft guidance before 5pm on 11 September. Feedback should be provided via email to policyandpractice@cih.org
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