Fire chiefs have warned that the threat from wildfires "remains elevated" after more than 200 incidents were recorded in just a fortnight, as the UK braces for its fourth heatwave of the year with temperatures expected to reach 35C in southeast England.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) confirmed that fire and rescue services across England and Wales responded to 208 wildfires between July 16 and 28, out of a total of 706 so far in 2026. The figures exclude other UK blazes, such as a significant wildfire in the Cairngorms in Scotland.
Heatwave and Health Alert
The Met Office assessment warned that fires could prove exceptionally dangerous by Wednesday if they break out across parts of London, the South East and eastern England, due to hot, dry conditions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London, running from Tuesday to Thursday. The agency cautioned that climbing temperatures may heighten health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Current Wildfire Incidents
NFCC noted that "currently eight live wildfire incidents are being monitored through national reporting systems." Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed firefighters continued to "make progress at the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle Moor" after deploying 60 personnel on Tuesday. While wildfire numbers remain below the 788 recorded at the same point last year, fire chiefs cautioned that "continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas," were creating conditions for blazes to ignite and spread rapidly.
Photographs revealed widespread brown, parched grass across Blackheath in London, with dried-out turf visible throughout numerous parks in the capital following the recent hot spell. This follows reports that Royal Parks staff were advised against leaving deckchairs beneath trees amid concerns about branches falling during hot weather.
European Context and Climate Change
Large-scale wildfires sweeping across parts of Spain, France and Greece have triggered evacuations, caused significant environmental damage, and placed considerable strain on 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. 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 and Public Advice
Fire chiefs warned that the majority of wildfires are triggered by routine human behaviour, noting 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 above average across the UK, potentially placing it among the hottest three or four Julys on record. Fire chiefs have urged the public to report any sign of fire immediately by dialling 999 and requesting the fire and rescue service.
