Burning stands of heather can be very effective at promoting their regeneration, particularly as, unlike cutting, the burning may remove some of the organic matter that builds up under the stand. Controlled burning needs skill to achieve the best results and ensure that the fire does not get out of control. Ideally, it is done in late winter to minimise damage to heathland wildlife.

Burning is an ancient practice, and a recognised form of heathland management, especially on Britain's upland moors, but also in areas such as the New Forest. However Surrey is no longer the wild uninhabited place it was at the end of the 18th century. Even our wildest areas are not far from roads, housing and businesses, and a deliberate controlled burn for managing any of these areas needs to be carefully planned. As burned heathland is an extremely good firebreak, managing heaths by controlled burns has the benefit of helping to prevent large areas being burned by summer wildfires.

Uncontrolled fires during the summer months often caused by arsonists or carelessness can cause long-term damage to heathland and its wildlife. In summer, heath fires burn much hotter - especially if there is a covering of scrub. There is a greater chance that a summer fire will kill the roots of the heather plants, and sometimes a summer fire is so severe that even heather seed will be killed. Summer burns will kill any wildlife unable to move quickly enough. See page on fire awareness.