Peat's Fiery Secret: UK's First Megafire Emits Years of Carbon

A significant four-day wildfire, dubbed a 'megafire,' scorched parts of the Highlands and Moray last year, releasing emissions equivalent to nearly a full year of typical fire activity in the UK. Analysis published in Nature Geoscience found the 2025 Dava Moor fire consumed an area comparable to the UK's entire annual burn acreage and represented Britain's first wildfire of this magnitude.

Researchers highlighted that almost 85% of the fire's carbon emissions stemmed from burning peat rather than trees or brush. Peatlands, which sequester carbon over centuries, released substantial amounts when dry enough to burn. This release is considered irrecoverable within a human lifetime due to the immense time scales required for peat to reform.

The study authors noted that climate change and rising temperatures are increasing the susceptibility of peatlands to fire, as higher temperatures heighten the atmospheric demand for water. This creates hotter, drier conditions conducive to large-scale wildfires.

Scottish Land and Estates has cautioned that UK public policy has not kept pace with the escalating wildfire risk. The organization is advocating for a comprehensive strategic framework addressing preparation, risk reduction, funding, and operational plans for wildfires, emphasizing that these events are now a complex issue involving land management, climate resilience, public safety, and the rural economy.