A wildfire in England's New Forest continues to burn as the nation experiences rising temperatures, prompting an emergency meeting convened by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The incident underscores a significant increase in wildfires across England and Wales, with 1,017 recorded so far in 2026, matching the total for the entirety of the previous year, according to data from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
Prime Minister Burnham expressed "great concern" over the New Forest fire, acknowledging it as a "significant problem of wildfires in the South." In response to the ongoing threat, he is considering a ban on disposable barbecues, a measure that has drawn further warnings from authorities about their use in high-risk areas. The NFCC highlighted that a single careless action, such as discarding a cigarette, a campfire, or a barbecue, can rapidly escalate into a serious wildfire. Such events cause widespread damage to wildlife and the countryside, endanger firefighters, and strain emergency resources.
Fire services are advising the public to take all litter home, refrain from smoking and using barbecues, and avoid lighting campfires or bonfires. Additionally, drivers are cautioned against parking on dry grass, as the underside of vehicles can reach temperatures exceeding 400 degrees Celsius.
The New Forest wildfire began on Sunday, August 9, and has since involved approximately 100 firefighters battling the flames. The situation reflects a broader trend of increasing wildfire incidents, with the current year's figures already equaling last year's record-breaking total.