Explained in plain English

Why are heathlands so flammable?

Heathlands are open, uncultivated areas with low-growing shrubs like heather and gorse. Their dry, woody plants, combined with often sandy, well-drained soils, create ideal conditions for rapid fire spread, especially after dry spells. This makes them particularly vulnerable to accidental blazes, like the one sparked by the van fire in the New Forest, requiring significant firefighting resources.