Britain is experiencing its largest "firewave" to date, with 19 wildfires actively burning across the country amid the third heatwave of the year. Heat health warnings have been extended as experts express concern over the increased risk to homes and public health, noting that more fires appear to be igniting near urban areas compared to remote countryside.
Wildfires have impacted regions including London, Greater Manchester, North Yorkshire, County Durham, East Sussex, West Sussex, Devon, and Somerset in recent days. Claire Belcher, director of the Wildfire Lab at the University of Exeter, described the current firewave in England and Wales as the "most widespread that the UK has seen." She attributed the phenomenon to climate change, which leads to wetter winters promoting vegetation growth that is then dried out by prolonged heatwaves.
"We've had lots of fires in certain regions before, but we've never seen fires burning right across the country like this," Belcher stated. She also emphasized the need for improved land management to reduce risks and prevent fire spread, highlighting the potentially devastating impact of wildfires on wildlife.
The term "firewave" was introduced by Imperial College London researchers to describe multiple urban wildfires triggered by extended hot and dry weather conditions. Currently, parts of southeast England are facing nearly a month without rain, with Wisley in Surrey having recorded 26 consecutive dry days. East Sussex has experienced 24 dry days, and parts of London, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hampshire have seen 20 dry days.
Warm, dry conditions combined with gusty easterly winds are escalating the risk of wildfires. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has reported a "severe wildfire risk" across large portions of England and Wales, with some areas facing "extreme risk." Major incidents were declared for wildfires in North Wales and Glossop, Derbyshire. In Greater Manchester, a significant blaze erupted on the moors near Dove-stone Reservoir, leading to an arrest on suspicion of arson.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat-health alerts for seven regions in England, excluding the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber. Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon indicated that temperatures could peak around 33C (91.4F) in south-central England on Wednesday, with readings in the low 30s expected throughout the week. However, temperatures are forecast to decrease slightly by the weekend, with peaks in the mid-to-high 20s.
In North Wales, dozens of homes were evacuated near Capelulo due to a wildfire on Conwy Mountain. While the major incident has since been stood down and residents allowed to return, firefighting efforts continue on the mountain.
Phil Garrigan, chairman of the NFCC, urged the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly when enjoying outdoor spaces. He advised against using disposable barbecues in open areas, discarding cigarettes, and recommended taking litter home. "When vegetation is this dry, it only takes one spark to start a fire," Garrigan warned, emphasizing the rapid escalation of incidents and the risks to communities, firefighters, and the environment.
Concerns over drought are also rising, particularly in East Anglia, Devon, Cornwall, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, following a dry spring and summer. Several water companies, including Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, South East Water, and Southern Water, have implemented hosepipe bans. Other companies are urging customers to conserve water voluntarily.
The UK has already seen new record temperatures for May and June this year, with a peak of 37.7C (99.86F) recorded in Norfolk in June. The country has also experienced a record six days reaching or exceeding 35C (95F) and nine days reaching or exceeding 34C (93.2F).