Wildfire risk remains elevated across the UK, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is warning, as fire and rescue services prepare for a potential fourth heatwave of the year and new data shows more than 200 wildfires have been reported in England and Wales in less than two weeks.

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

The latest figures – which do not account for wildfires across the rest of the UK, including the major wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland – highlight how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather, with temperatures forecast to rise again this week.

While wildfire numbers in England and Wales remain below the 788 incidents recorded by the same point in 2025, fire chiefs are warning that continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas, are creating conditions in which fires can start and spread rapidly.

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

Although UK wildfires are typically smaller and different in nature to those seen in southern Europe, fire chiefs say the long-term effects of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger, more complex and more resource-intensive wildfire incidents occurring in the UK.

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 have welcomed the move, describing it as an important step in strengthening the UK’s ability to respond to increasingly complex wildfire incidents.

However, NFCC is warning that climate change is driving a long-term increase in wildfire risk and that continued investment will be needed to ensure fire and rescue services can meet future demand. This includes ongoing support for specialist wildfire equipment, trained personnel, national resilience assets and access to 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, and 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.”

Many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity. Simple actions such as 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.

Wildfire Public Safety Advice

• Avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks and moorland areas.
• Do not discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles, as they can ignite dry vegetation and crops.
• Follow local authority guidance on fire risks and restrictions.
• Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire and Rescue Service.
• If you notice suspicious behaviour or see someone intentionally starting a fire, contact the Police on 101 or report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
• If there is a fire, call 999 immediately.

 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• National Resilience data, provided directly to the National Fire Chiefs Council, shows fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires in 2026 as of 28 July 2026, with 208 of those incidents recorded since data was last made available on 16^th July 2026.
• There are currently eight live wildfire incidents recorded on the National Resilience reporting system.
• By the equivalent point in 2025 (1 January to 28 July), fire and rescue services had responded to 788 wildfire incidents.
• Under NFCC’s Operational Guidance definition, a wildfire meets one or more of the following criteria:
  • Involves a geographical area of at least one hectare (10,000 square metres)
  • Has a sustained flame length of more than 1.5 metres
  • Requires a committed resource of at least four fire and rescue service appliances/resources
  • Requires resources to be committed for at least six hours
  • Presents a serious threat to life, environment, property and infrastructure
• The definition used in Scotland is as follows:
  • Wildfires are classified as large, uncontrolled outdoor fires exceeding 1,000 square meters of burned area on appropriate land types.
• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is a charity and an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to help save lives and keep local communities safe.