New data released today by Zurich UK reveals a sharp rise in the number of suspected or identified cannabis farms attended by fire and rescue services.
Incidents increased 218% from 17 in 2015 to a record 54 in 2024.
In the past few years, Zurich has investigated £9.4m in 17 cannabis farm-related claims.
Freedom of information data obtained by Zurich from 21 fire and rescue services shows incidents remained near record levels in 2025, with 50 attendances recorded. The problem has intensified significantly in recent years, with incidents increasing by 59% between 2019 and the 2024 peak.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service recorded the highest number of attendances, responding to 90 suspected or identified cannabis farms over the past seven years, with a peak of 25 incidents in 2020.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service ranked second, attending 56 cannabis farms over the past decade, while Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service recorded 55 attendances over the same period.
Home Office analysis further corroborates Zurich’s findings, identifying 640 cannabis farm fires across the UK between 2019 and 2024.
Since January 2022, Zurich’s Claims Investigation Unit Major Loss team has investigated 17 cannabis farm-related claims worth a combined £9.4m, highlighting the significant damage these operations can cause.
The warning comes amid evidence that cannabis production is increasingly moving into rented properties and vacant commercial premises.
Stewart Powell, Regional Major Loss Lead for Zurich UK, says:”For many landlords the full impact only becomes apparent once a cannabis farm has been uncovered and the extent of the damage becomes clear.
“While the fire risk associated with these operations is well known, fire is often only one part of a much larger problem.
“We’ve seen claims involving dangerous electrical alterations, extensive water damage from irrigation systems, widespread damp and mould, and significant structural changes made to conceal growing operations.
“By the time a property is recovered, landlords can be left facing months of disruption, substantial reinstatement work and repair bills running into hundreds of thousands of pounds before a building can be safely occupied again.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today