Fire chiefs have issued a stark warning that the threat posed by wildfires "remains elevated across the UK" following more than 200 incidents in just the past fortnight. The alert comes as Britain prepares for yet another bout of scorching weather during the fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 35C across south-east England on Wednesday.
Heat health alerts upgraded
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert covering the East Midlands, the East, South East and London. The alert runs from Tuesday to Thursday, with the agency warning that rising temperatures may present heightened health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.
A Met Office assessment has indicated that blazes could become exceptionally serious by Wednesday should they ignite across parts of London, the South East and eastern England, due to the hot, arid conditions.
Wildfire statistics and response
Fire and rescue services throughout England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents occurring between July 16 and 28 alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The NFCC added that the latest figures, which do not include wildfires elsewhere in the UK such as a major wildfire in the Cairngorms in Scotland, demonstrate "how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather".
Fire chiefs have additionally warned that wildfire risk "remains elevated across the UK", with the NFCC confirming there were "currently eight live wildfire incidents being monitored through national reporting systems". Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that firefighters were continuing to "make progress at the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle Moor" following the deployment of 60 personnel on Tuesday.
Comparison to previous years
While wildfire numbers in England and Wales remain below the 788 recorded at the same point last year, fire chiefs have warned that "continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas" are creating conditions in which fires can ignite and spread with alarming speed. Images have shown extensive brown grass across Blackheath in London, with parched, dried-out grass evident in many parks throughout the capital.
This development comes as Royal Parks staff have been instructed not to leave deckchairs beneath trees due to concerns that branches could fall during the hot weather.
Climate change concerns
Large-scale wildfires sweeping across Europe, including areas of Spain, France and Greece, have prompted evacuations, caused substantial environmental damage and placed enormous strain on emergency services. The NFCC acknowledged that wildfires in the UK are generally smaller in scale and differ in character from those seen across southern Europe, but cautioned that the "long-term effects of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger, more complex and more resource-intensive wildfire incidents occurring".
Phil Garrigan, chairman of the NFCC, said: "More than 200 wildfires in just 12 days shows how quickly the risk can escalate when hot, dry conditions take hold. The scenes we're seeing across parts of Europe are a stark reminder of what a changing climate means for fire and rescue services. We are not seeing fires of that scale in the UK today, but the science tells us we should expect larger, more frequent and more complex wildfires in the future. That's why we need continued investment in specialist wildfire capabilities, including aerial firefighting support, so we're prepared for the risks ahead. But prevention remains our strongest defence. Most wildfires are avoidable, and we're asking everyone to take extra care during the hot weather to help keep their communities safe."
Prevention advice
Senior fire officers warned that a considerable proportion of wildfires are sparked by routine human activity, pointing out that "disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open spaces and taking litter home can significantly reduce the risk of fires starting". According to provisional Met Office figures, July has been 3C warmer than average across the UK, potentially ranking it among the hottest three or four July months on record.
Fire chiefs have urged members of the public to report any signs of fire without delay by dialling 999 and requesting the fire and rescue service.
