Wildfire risks in the UK remain high, with over 200 incidents reported in the past 12 days. The ongoing heatwave in London, the South East, and East of England could lead to severe blazes due to the prevailing hot and dry conditions. A heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for vulnerable regions including the East Midlands and London.
Concerns over health risks prompted the warning, particularly affecting the elderly population. So far this year, 706 wildfires have been reported in England and Wales, with 208 incidents occurring in a short period from July 16 to 28, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). Notably, these figures do not cover wildfires in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The recent fire in Scotland’s Cairngorms, where families were evacuated, underscores the rapid escalation of wildfire activity during extended periods of hot and dry weather. NFCC highlighted that wildfire risks are still elevated nationwide, with monitoring of eight active incidents. In Derbyshire, progress is being made on a major wildfire at Tintwistle Moor, with 60 crew members dispatched.
Although the number of incidents in England and Wales this year is lower compared to the same period last year, the NFCC cautioned about the potential for fires to start and spread rapidly due to dry conditions, warmer temperatures, and agricultural activities. Images depict dried-out grass in London’s Blackheath and various capital parks, with precautions taken to prevent accidents during the hot weather.
Countries across Europe are also grappling with wildfires in Spain, France, Greece, and Italy, leading to evacuations and immense damage. The NFCC noted that while UK wildfires are typically smaller than those in southern Europe, the impacts of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger and more complex incidents.
NFCC Chairman Phil Garrigan emphasized the need for continued investment in wildfire response capabilities to address the evolving risks. Prevention remains crucial, as many wildfires are preventable and often caused by human activities like improper disposal of cigarettes and use of disposable barbecues. The UK has experienced above-average temperatures this month, hinting at a potentially record-breaking July 2026 in terms of heat.