UK wildfire risk remains elevated as NFCC warns after 200 fires in 12 days

The National Fire Chiefs Council has warned that UK wildfire risk remains elevated after more than 200 wildfires were recorded in England and Wales over the past 12 days

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has warned that UK wildfire risk remains elevated following a surge in wildfire incidents, with more than 200 fires recorded across England and Wales in less than two weeks.

According to National Resilience data, fire and rescue services have responded to 706 wildfires across England and Wales so far in 2026, with 208 incidents recorded between 16 and 28 July. Eight live wildfire incidents are currently being monitored through national reporting systems.

The latest figures highlight how quickly UK wildfire risk can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. Although the total number of wildfires remains below the 788 incidents recorded by the same point in 2025, the NFCC said continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in rural areas, are creating conditions in which fires can ignite and spread rapidly. Temperatures are forecast to rise again this week as the UK prepares for the possibility of a fourth heatwave of the year.

The warning comes as several European countries continue to battle significant wildfires. Large-scale incidents in parts of Spain, France and Greece have led to evacuations, environmental damage and significant pressure on emergency services.

While UK wildfires are typically smaller than those seen in southern Europe, fire chiefs said climate change is increasing UK wildfire risk, making larger, more complex and resource-intensive incidents more likely in the future.

Earlier this summer, the Government announced a new specialist wildfire capability, including strategically located wildfire response teams and a wider £97 million investment in National Resilience assets. Fire chiefs welcomed the move, describing it as an important step in strengthening the UK’s ability to respond to increasingly complex wildfire incidents.

However, the NFCC warned that addressing long-term UK wildfire risk will require sustained investment in specialist equipment, trained personnel, national resilience assets and aerial firefighting capability to support operational response during significant incidents.

Wildfires can place significant demands on fire and rescue services, often requiring large numbers of firefighters, specialist vehicles and equipment, alongside support from neighbouring services through national resilience arrangements.

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, 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.”

The NFCC said reducing UK wildfire risk also depends on public awareness. Many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, and simple actions such as disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding disposable barbecues in open spaces and taking litter home can significantly reduce the likelihood of fires starting.

The organisation is advising people to avoid using disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks and moorland, never discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles onto dry vegetation, follow local fire risk guidance and report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire and Rescue Service. Anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour or deliberate fire-setting is urged to contact police on 101 or report information anonymously to Crimestoppers.