FARM fires cost Scotland’s agricultural industry an estimated £14.7 million last year, according to a new report highlighting the growing threat to rural communities.
Figures released by rural insurer NFU Mutual reveal that the estimated cost of farm fires in Scotland rose by 22 per cent in 2025, up from £12 million the previous year.
The findings come amid concerns over increasingly hot and dry weather conditions, which can heighten the risk of fires spreading across farmland, agricultural buildings and machinery.
Across the UK, farm fire losses increased by 18 per cent to an estimated £118 million in 2025, with fires involving agricultural vehicles accounting for a further £32 million.
Tractor fires were responsible for more than half of the UK’s agricultural vehicle fire costs, totalling £16.1 million, while combine harvester fires resulted in losses of £4.8 million.
According to NFU Mutual, the main causes of fires involving farm buildings, crops and equipment included arson, lightning strikes and electrical faults.
Scotland recorded one of the highest estimated farm fire losses in the UK, although the East of England experienced the sharpest increase, with costs rising by 173 per cent to £23.9 million.
Alexis McNeil, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager for Scotland, warned that the consequences of farm fires could extend far beyond individual agricultural businesses.
She said: “We’ve seen in the Cairngorms this year how devastating fire can be, and the impact of the hot, dry weather in allowing destruction to spread. Sadly, our report shows that farmers in Scotland are bearing the brunt of the threat of large-scale fire.
“As the UK recorded the highest temperatures and most hours of sunshine on record in 2025, and 2026 seeing more extreme dry periods record temperatures, the risk of uncontrollable blazes has never been higher.”
Ms McNeil said the impact of fires could be particularly serious for rural communities, where agricultural businesses play an important role in the local economy.
“The aftermath of this can be grave, threatening farm operations and traumatising those involved, as well as disrupting essential infrastructure which can further affect the wider community,” she added.
“Farmers do what they can to minimise risk, but prevention cannot fall to farmers alone. Stronger policy is needed, more than ever, to help tackle the causes of farm fires and protect rural businesses from their devastating impact.”
The insurer is encouraging farmers to take preventative measures, particularly during periods of prolonged dry weather and ahead of harvesting.
NFU Mutual Risk Management Services provides pre-harvest training workshops to help farmers identify potential fire hazards and reduce the likelihood of incidents.
The insurer also supports the installation of accredited fire suppression systems on agricultural machinery, offering insurance discounts to eligible policyholders who fit approved equipment to combine harvesters.
The findings underline the financial and operational risks facing Scotland’s farming sector, with NFU Mutual calling for greater action to protect agricultural businesses and the rural communities that depend on them.
