Fire chiefs have warned that the threat from wildfires "remains elevated across the UK", with more than 200 incidents logged in the past fortnight alone. The warning comes as Britain braces for its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach 35C in south-east England on Wednesday.
Heat-health alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert covering the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London, running from Tuesday to Thursday. The agency warns that rising temperatures could pose heightened health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. A Met Office assessment indicated that fires could become exceptionally serious by Wednesday if they emerge across parts of London, the South East and eastern England due to hot, dry conditions.
Wildfire statistics
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), fire and rescue services across England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents recorded between July 16 and 28 alone. The NFCC said the figures, which do not include other UK wildfires such as a major incident in the Cairngorms in Scotland, demonstrate "how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather". Fire chiefs added that risk "remains elevated across the UK", with eight live wildfire incidents being monitored through national reporting systems.
Progress on the ground
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters were continuing to "make progress at the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle Moor" after 60 personnel were deployed on Tuesday. Although wildfire numbers in England and Wales remain below the 788 recorded at the same point last year, fire chiefs warned that "continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas", were creating conditions in which fires can ignite and spread at a worrying pace.
Impact on parks and trees
Images showed extensive brown grass across Blackheath in London, with parched, dry grass evident in many parks across the capital. Royal Parks staff were instructed not to leave deckchairs under trees due to concerns that branches could fall during the hot weather.
European context and future risks
Major wildfires across Europe, including in Spain, France and Greece, have prompted evacuations, caused environmental harm and strained emergency services. The NFCC noted that UK wildfires are typically smaller and differ in nature from those in southern Europe, but warned 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." He added that the scenes in Europe are a stark reminder of a changing climate, and that while the UK is not seeing fires of that scale today, "the science tells us we should expect larger, more frequent and more complex wildfires in the future". He called for continued investment in specialist wildfire capabilities, including aerial firefighting support, but stressed that "prevention remains our strongest defence".
Public advice and temperature records
Fire chiefs cautioned that a considerable proportion of wildfires are sparked by routine human activity, highlighting 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". Provisional Met Office data suggests July temperatures have run 3C above the UK average, potentially ranking it among the hottest three or four Julys ever recorded. The public is urged to report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the fire and rescue service.
