UK fire chiefs warn wildfire risk in fourth heatwave

Fire chiefs have issued a stark warning that the risk of wildfires across the United Kingdom remains dangerously elevated as the country endures its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach 35 degrees Celsius in southeast England on Wednesday, July 29. An official assessment indicates any fire that starts in parts of London, the South East, and eastern England could become exceptionally severe due to the hot, dry conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency has an amber heat-health alert in effect from July 28 to July 30 for the East Midlands, the East of England, the South East, and London, cautioning that rising temperatures increase health risks for vulnerable populations. Provisional Met Office data indicates July 2026 has been 3 degrees Celsius above the UK average, potentially ranking among the top three or four hottest Julys on record.

Fire and rescue services in England and Wales have tackled 706 wildfires so far this year, with 208 of those incidents occurring in just the 12-day period between July 16 and July 28, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The council noted these figures do not include incidents elsewhere in the UK, such...