A series of four FIRES seminars and workshops on the effects of moorland and heathland wildfires and prescribed fires on ecosystem services were held during 2008-2009. The four seminars created a vibrant cross-sector multidisciplinary forum. Practitioners comprised more than half the audience. The series brought together over 130 researchers, moorland management agencies, policy-makers, Fire and Rescue Service officers, land managers and other stakeholders. It was the first time the Fire Service had been involved in coordinated academic debate on UK wildfires.

FIRES raised awareness of the UK wildfire issue, its relationship to prescribed burning and its significance for ecosystem services. A clear need for further interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange has been demonstrated.​