More than 200 wildfires have torn across England and Wales in the last 12 days, as the UK braces for its fourth heatwave of the year — prompting fire chiefs to warn that the threat “remains elevated across the UK”.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said 208 incidents were recorded between July 16 and 28, bringing the total for 2026 to 706. These figures do not include blazes in Scotland and Northern Ireland, such as the major wildfire in the Cairngorms that has forced families from their homes for two weeks.
“Over 200 wildfires hit England and Wales in 12 days as fourth heatwave brings 35C temperatures and elevated risk.”
Temperatures are forecast to reach 35C in southeast England on Wednesday, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue an amber heat-health alert from Tuesday to Thursday for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London. The Met Office assessment warns that any fires starting in those regions during the heatwave could be “exceptionally severe” due to hot, dry conditions.
“The figures demonstrate how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather,” the NFCC said. Eight live wildfire incidents are currently being monitored through national reporting systems.
In Derbyshire, 60 firefighters were deployed to Tintwistle Moor, where crews continue to make progress at the major wildfire incident. Meanwhile, images show extensive brown grass across Blackheath in London, with parks parched after weeks of dry weather. Royal Parks staff have been instructed not to leave deckchairs under trees over fears branches could fall in the heat.
While the number of wildfires this year remains slightly below the 788 recorded at the same point in 2025, fire chiefs caution that “continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas”, are creating conditions for fires to ignite and spread with alarming speed. The risk, they warn, is far from over.
