UK Wildfire Warning Issued as Another Heatwave Approaches

Fire chiefs across the UK are warning people to be extra careful with fire as the country gets ready for its fourth heatwave of the year. More than 200 wildfires have broken out in just 12 days, and temperatures in south-east England could reach 35°C by Wednesday. Officials say the danger of more fires starting and spreading quickly is still very high.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for parts of England, including London, the South East, the East, and the East Midlands. The alert runs from Tuesday to Thursday and warns that the rising heat is especially dangerous for vulnerable people, such as the elderly and those with health conditions. Health officials are asking everyone to look out for people who may struggle in the hot weather.

So far in 2026, fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires. Between July 16 and 28 alone, there were 208 incidents, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council, known as the NFCC. The NFCC said these numbers show how quickly wildfire activity can increase during long periods of hot and dry weather.

The figures do not even include all wildfires across the UK. A major wildfire in the Cairngorms in Scotland, for example, is not counted in those totals. Fire chiefs say there are currently eight live wildfire incidents being watched through national reporting systems. In Derbyshire, 60 firefighters were sent to tackle a large blaze at Tintwistle Moor.

While the number of wildfires in England and Wales is still lower than at the same point last year — when 788 had been recorded — fire chiefs are not relaxed. They warn that dry conditions, warm temperatures, and farming activity in rural areas are creating dangerous conditions. Fires can start and spread very fast in these circumstances.

Parks and green spaces around the UK are showing signs of the heat. Photos from Blackheath in London show grass that has turned completely brown and dry. Even Royal Parks staff were warned not to leave deckchairs under trees, because branches can break and fall in very hot weather.

Wildfires have also been causing serious problems across Europe. Countries like Spain, France, and Greece have seen large fires that forced people to evacuate their homes, damaged the environment, and put huge pressure on emergency services. The NFCC says UK wildfires are usually smaller than those in southern Europe, but warns that climate change is making larger, more serious fires more likely in the future.

Phil Garrigan, the chairman of the NFCC, said the scenes in Europe are a stark reminder of what a changing climate means for firefighters. He said science tells us to expect larger, more frequent, and more complex wildfires going forward. Garrigan called for more investment in specialist wildfire equipment, including aircraft that can help fight fires from the air.

Despite warnings about the future, fire chiefs stressed that most wildfires can be prevented. Many fires are started by everyday human actions, such as dropping cigarettes or using disposable barbecues in open spaces. Officials are asking people to dispose of cigarettes safely, avoid barbecues in parks, and always take their litter home.

July 2026 has been about 3°C warmer than average across the UK, according to early data from the Met Office. This could make it one of the hottest three or four Julys ever recorded in the country. Fire chiefs reminded the public that if they see any signs of fire, they should call 999 straight away and ask for the fire and rescue service.