Number of farm fires surges by 21% amid hotter summers

The number of farm fires shot up by 21% last year to £83.5m as the unprecedented heat wave hit the country, new figures by NFU Mutual show.

Combine fires also doubled in number and cost following the tinder-dry harvest conditions, which saw temperatures hit 40°C for the first time.

The rural insurer dealt with over 2,200 farm fire claims involving growing crops, buildings and farm equipment in 2022, compared to over 1,800 in 2021.

In addition, agricultural vehicle fire claims, recorded separately by NFU Mutual, increased by 13% last year.