An exceptional and extreme wildfire warning is in force across the UK as a relentless summer heatwave leaves the countryside tinder-dry and primed to ignite. Natural England and emergency services have urged the public to take the risk seriously, with conditions described as perfect for fast-moving blazes that can explode without warning. Heat-health alerts remain active and have been extended until Wednesday evening (July 15).
Heat-Health Alerts and Temperature Records
The UK Health Security Agency has Amber alerts in place for the West Midlands and the South West, with Yellow alerts covering the North West, East Midlands, East of England, the South East and London. It comes amid what is being described as the UK’s third major heatwave of the summer, with 2026 already breaking new ground for repeated spikes to 35°C across multiple months.
Wildfires Across the UK
In North Wales, a major incident has been declared on Conwy Mountain near the Sychant Pass, after crews were called out in the early hours of Sunday (July 12) to a rapidly escalating blaze. The situation intensified so quickly that families in nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution, while other residents were told to stay indoors and seal windows and doors against thick smoke.
In Greater Manchester, firefighters were called to a large moorland wildfire near Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield, Saddleworth, on Saturday evening, The Independent reported. The flames tore through dry vegetation and put added strain on emergency teams, with the cause now under investigation as crews work to establish how the fire started.
Down in East Sussex, firefighters tackled a “large fire in the open” across parched South Downs grassland near Eastbourne on Saturday afternoon, The Sun reported. The blaze has been successfully contained, but it left scorched swathes of landscape behind, as crews also responded to a separate, simultaneous incident at Devil’s Dyke in neighbouring West Sussex.
Public Safety Warnings
With temperatures widely above 30°C and highs expected to climb again, fire chiefs have issued a stark warning over everyday actions that can spark disaster. The public is being urged not to use disposable barbecues in parks, forests or open grassland, not to toss cigarette ends or leave litter such as glass bottles that can magnify sunlight, and not to tie up 999 lines except in genuine emergencies as incidents escalate.
The Met Office has said the scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of the UK are due to last into the coming week, with most areas expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot. Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, warned that such conditions “significantly increase wildfire risk.”
“But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,” he added. “Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.”
Ongoing Heatwave and Forecast
He further explained: “Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water. As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”
Forecasters have said areas of England and Wales will continue to exceed 30°C throughout the weekend and into next week as the country swelters in the third heatwave of the year. The Met Office has warned of possible thunderstorms from Monday (July 11) in parts of southern England but overall another very dry week to come.
