Farm fires cost Northern Ireland an estimated £11.8 million in 2025, a 73% year-on-year increase that ranks among the steepest rises anywhere in the UK.

The figures come from the latest Farm Fires Report published by insurer NFU Mutual. A high number of the fires originated in agricultural vehicles, where sparks during hot, dry summers can ignite dangerous blazes — a risk that grows sharply during harvest.

The national picture is worse. Across the UK, record temperatures and hours of sunshine in 2025 pushed the cost of farm fires up 18% to an estimated £118 million. Fires involving agricultural vehicles added a further £32 million to the bill.

Tractors accounted for more than half of UK vehicle fire costs, at £16.1 million. Combine harvester fires cost £4.8 million over the same period.

What is driving the fires?

The primary causes of fires involving crops, buildings and equipment were arson, lightning strikes and electrical faults, according to the report.

Weather remains the aggravating factor. With prolonged heat and dry weather continuing into 2026, and temperature records broken again across the country, NFU Mutual warned that "the rural community is shouldering a substantial risk of fires, especially during periods of harvest".

Which regions were hit hardest?

The east of England recorded the sharpest rise in farm fire costs, up 173% to an estimated £23.9 million in 2025.

The South-West and North-East of England were also severely hit by farm fires, despite a fall in overall costs.

Northern Ireland, however, stood out among the areas with the largest percentage increases, underlining the severity of the problem for the province's farmers.

What does NFU Mutual want to happen?

NFU Mutual's regional manager for Northern Ireland, Lauren Hamilton, said the aftermath of these fires threatens farm operations and traumatises everyone involved.

"Farmers do what they can to minimise risk, but prevention cannot fall to farmers alone," Hamilton said.

"Stronger policy is needed, more than ever, to help tackle the causes of farm fires and protect rural businesses from their devastating impact."

Hamilton added that the risk of farm fires has never been as high as it has been over the past two years.

What support is available now?

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services is offering pre-harvest training workshops to help farmers familiarise themselves with fire prevention tactics and minimise fire breakouts.

The company will also provide agricultural vehicle insurance.

With heat and dry weather persisting into 2026 and records falling again, farmers should book pre-harvest fire prevention training early and review their vehicle cover before this year's harvest gets under way.