“Wildfire risk remains elevated” warns National Fire Chiefs Council

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 don’t 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.

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.

Large-scale incidents

The NFCC’s 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 exerted on the Emergency Services.         

Although UK wildfires are typically smaller and different in nature to those seen in southern Europe, fire chiefs state that 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.

This year, 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 forward in strengthening the UK’s ability to respond to increasingly complex wildfire incidents.

However, the 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 that can actively 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, as well as support from neighbouring Fire and Rescue Services through national resilience arrangements.

Stark reminder

Phil Garrigan, chair of the NFCC, explained: “More than 200 wildfires in just 12 days shows how quickly the risk can escalate when hot and 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’re 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.”

Garrigan continued: “That’ why we need continued investment in specialist wildfire capabilities, including aerial firefighting support, so that we’re fully prepared for the risks ahead. Prevention remains our strongest defence. Most wildfires are avoidable. As such, we’re asking everyone to take extra care during the hot weather in order 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.

*Further information is available online at www.nfcc.org.uk