The UK faces a heightened risk of wildfires with over 200 incidents reported in the past 12 days. The ongoing heatwave in London, the South East, and the East of England could lead to severe blazes due to the dry, hot conditions. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, the East and South East of England, as well as London, lasting until Thursday, posing health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly.
706 wildfires have been reported in England and Wales this year, with 208 incidents recorded between July 16 and 28 alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). Notably, these figures exclude wildfires in Scotland and Northern Ireland, such as the ongoing battle against a blaze in Cairngorms in Scotland.
NFCC highlighted that the wildfire risk remains high in the UK, with eight active incidents under monitoring. Despite a lower count compared to last year, the dry conditions, warmer temperatures, and agricultural activities are creating favorable circumstances for rapid fire outbreaks.
Parched grasslands in London’s Blackheath and other parks reflect the impact of the scorching weather. Meanwhile, across Europe, countries like Spain, France, Greece, and Italy are grappling with large-scale wildfires, leading to evacuations and strain on emergency services.
NFCC emphasized that while UK wildfires are typically smaller than those in southern Europe, the effects of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger, more complex incidents. Firefighters stress the importance of preventive measures, urging the public to be cautious during hot weather to mitigate fire risks.
Human activities like improper cigarette disposal and the use of disposable barbecues in open spaces contribute significantly to wildfires. July 2026 is on track to be one of the hottest on record, with temperatures 3C above average across the UK, according to provisional Met Office data.