Fire chiefs issue urgent safety warning as parts of the UK face rare red heat alert

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is urging people to take extra care around open water and in outdoor spaces as parts of the UK prepare for exceptionally high temperatures under a rare Met Office red warning for extreme heat.

The warning, which covers parts of southern England and Wales, is the highest level of heat alert issued by the Met Office and indicates a risk to life across the wider population, not only those traditionally considered vulnerable to extreme heat. Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 38°C in some areas over the coming days.

Recent weeks have already seen the tragic consequences of hot weather. During the recent half-term heatwave, 19 children and adults lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents over the course of a week. The latest Water Incident Database statistics show that 202 people accidentally lost their lives in water-related incidents across the UK in 2025.

Fire chiefs are urging parents and carers to speak to children and young people about the dangers associated with rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals and quarries. While air temperatures may feel exceptionally warm, water temperatures can remain dangerously cold, and entering open water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, affecting breathing and movement within seconds. Research from Bournemouth University found three times as many accidental drowning fatalities occur on days when air temperatures reach 25°C or more, when compared to the seasonal average.

The hot weather is also expected to increase the risk of outdoor fires and wildfires. National Resilience data shows there have been 306 recorded wildfires in England and Wales between 1 January and 18 June 2026. Although lower than the 565 incidents recorded during the same period last year, the figure is already higher than the 277 recorded by the same point in 2022, which went on to become a record-breaking wildfire year.

Fire chiefs are reminding people that many wildfires are preventable and are often caused by everyday activities such as the use of disposable barbecues or carelessly discarded smoking materials. With temperatures expected to remain exceptionally high, people are being urged to take extra care when spending time outdoors and to follow local guidance and restrictions.

Phil Garrigan, NFCC Chair, said:

“The Met Office issues red heat warnings only in the most serious circumstances and people should take this warning seriously.

“We have already seen the consequences that periods of extreme heat can have, with a number of lives tragically lost in water-related incidents during recent hot weather. If you are planning to spend time near water, take a moment to think about the risks and make sure you know how to stay safe.

“We are also asking people to be mindful of the impact their actions can have outdoors. Many people do not realise how easily a wildfire can start or how quickly it can spread. What begins as a small fire can rapidly become a major incident requiring a significant emergency response, particularly when conditions are hot and dry.

“The weather may be drawing people outdoors, but the risks are real. We want people to enjoy the warmer temperatures, but to do so safely and without putting themselves, their families or their communities in danger.”

Water Safety Public Safety Advice:

• Speak to young people about the dangers of open water.
• Swim in supervised locations.
• Do not jump into water to cool off.
• Never enter the water to attempt a rescue – instead call 999 immediately.
• If spending time in, on or around water, install location apps such as what3 words so if an incident should happen emergency services know where you are.
• Do not enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol.
• Make sure you know how to help yourself and other people in the event of a water-related emergency.

If you see someone else in trouble in the water this summer, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

• Phone 999 to get help.
• Tell the struggling person to float on their back.
• Throw them something that floats.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live by:

• Tilting your head back with ears submerged.
• Relaxing – to try to control your breathing.
• Moving your hands to help stay afloat.
• Once over the initial shock, calling for help or swimming to safety.

Wildfires 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.
• 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 any suspicious behaviour or see someone intentionally starting a fire, contact the Police on 101 or report the information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
• If there is a fire, call 999 immediately.