More than 200 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales over a 12-day period, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). A total of 706 fires have been reported so far this year across the two nations, though this does not include blazes in Scotland and Northern Ireland, such as the ongoing fire in Cairngorms National Park.
Risk Remains Elevated
The NFCC warned that the risk of wildfires “remains elevated across the UK.” If fires were to start in London, the South East, or East of England during the heatwave, they could be exceptionally severe due to hot, dry conditions. An amber heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London, effective from now until Thursday.
Between July 16 and 28, 208 wildfires were reported to fire services in England and Wales. The NFCC is currently monitoring eight live wildfire incidents. In Derbyshire, firefighters continue to make progress at a major wildfire on Tintwistle Moor, where 60 crew members were deployed.
Comparison to Previous Year
While the number of wildfires remains lower than the 788 recorded by this time last year, the NFCC cautioned that “continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas” create conditions for fires to start and spread rapidly. Provisional Met Office data shows July 2026 has been 3°C above average, potentially making it among the hottest three or four Julys on record.
European Context
Large-scale wildfires have also hit parts of Spain, France, Greece, and Italy, leading to evacuations and significant damage. The NFCC noted that UK wildfires are typically smaller, but “the long-term effects of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger, more complex and more resource-intensive wildfire incidents.”
Prevention Advice
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. … prevention remains our strongest defence. Most wildfires are avoidable.” The NFCC urged the public to dispose of cigarettes safely, avoid disposable barbecues in open spaces, and take litter home to reduce fire risk.
