Wildfires have already scorched moorland in Derbyshire and a hillside in North Wales, and fire crews are battling blazes as temperatures climb above 30°C again. The UK is facing what Natural England calls an "exceptional" wildfire risk in parts of southern England and the south Midlands, with much of England and Wales under "very high" or "extreme" alerts. The warnings come as the country endures its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures exceeding 30°C for a second week and 2026 becoming the first year on record to see 35°C reached on six separate days. The Met Office says low humidity, strong winds and dry vegetation create conditions for fires to start and spread rapidly.
Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like moorlands, grasslands, parks or forests. In the UK, they are usually started accidentally by human activity—discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues, or electrical faults—especially during hot, dry spells. The risk is assessed by the Natural Hazards Partnership, a group of government departments and researchers, which issues red alerts for extreme danger. Fire services, the Forestry Commission and weather agencies coordinate warnings. The London Fire Brigade has urged people not to use disposable barbecues over the weekend, and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue has been tackling fires at Tintwistle Moor and Glossop since 24 June.
“Why UK heatwaves increase wildfire risk, what alerts mean and how to stay safe.”
Heatwaves and wildfires have become more frequent in the UK in recent years. This year has already seen a record eight days with temperatures above 34°C, surpassing the previous records from 1976 and 2020, according to Met Office Science Manager Dr Amy Doherty. The highest June temperature on record was set for England in 2026, with 37.7°C provisionally recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk. Prolonged dry weather, combined with three heatwaves since May, has left vegetation parched and highly flammable. The Met Office says this is the first year in UK records that 35°C has been reached in May, June and July. Fire chiefs warn that between 1 January and 6 July 2026, 342 wildfires were recorded.
For UK readers, the immediate threat is to lives, property and the natural environment. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber and yellow heat health alerts, warning of significant impacts on health services and a rise in deaths, especially among people aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Two teenagers died in open water during the latest heatwave, police said. Wildfires can damage habitats, destroy farmland and disrupt transport: a trackside fire at Stratford Station in London caused rail closures. People living near moorland or parks should avoid activities that could start fires, such as using barbecues or leaving glass bottles that focus sunlight. The London Fire Brigade said the wildfire risk in the capital rose to "extreme" from Saturday until Monday.
Q: How are UK wildfires classified? The risk level is determined by the Natural Hazards Partnership, which issues assessments from low to exceptional based on weather, vegetation dryness and wind. A red alert means an extreme risk, such as the one currently in place for southern England and the Midlands.
Q: What should I do if I see a wildfire? Call 999 immediately and report the location. Do not try to tackle it yourself. Stay away from the area, and if you are nearby, move to safety. Follow advice from fire crews, who may ask people not to walk in exclusion zones to allow helicopter water drops.
Q: How can I reduce the risk of starting a wildfire? Avoid using disposable barbecues in parks, moorlands or near dry grass. Dispose of cigarettes properly and never throw them from car windows. Do not leave glass bottles that could concentrate sunlight. Follow local fire bans and stay updated on weather warnings.
Next week, temperatures are expected to ease slightly, with a chance of thunderstorms in the south from Monday. However, much of England and Wales will remain dry and warm, and the wildfire risk will stay high until significant rain falls. The Met Office says the overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather into next week. Fire services will continue to monitor the situation and maintain patrols in high-risk areas.