UK wildfire map: Areas most at risk as heatwave sparks ‘exceptional’ threat
Much of the UK faces “extraordinary” risk of bushfires as a record-breaking heatwave continues, experts have warned.
Areas in the South East, London and the Midlands are highlighted as being at highest risk, according to Natural England.
The fire severity index shows much of the country will be at risk of wildfire by mid-week, while much of the rest of England and Wales is assessed to be at “very high” risk in the coming days as the country swelters in its third heatwave of the year.
Natural England uses information such as wind speed, temperature, time of year and rainfall to assess the severity of the fire, and provides maps showing the risk increasing throughout the week.
The Met Office said scorching heatwave conditions across much of the UK will continue into next week, with most areas expected to remain dry, sunny and very hot, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Dave Swallow, deputy chief bushfire officer and chief tactical advisor for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), warned that such conditions “significantly increase the risk of bushfire.”
“But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,” he added.
“Whether it’s a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or a glass bottle left in the sun, we all have a role to play in preventing it.
“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating bushfires and tragic drownings in inland waterways.
“As more schools pick up for the summer holidays, we are asking people to enjoy the warm weather safely, look out for each other and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”
The warnings come after Derbyshire Fire and Rescue were called out to two moorland fires in recent days, and London Fire Brigade battled a bush-related fire at Stratford Station on Friday evening that forced the closure of railway lines.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to a “large open fire” on the South Downs near Eastbourne on Saturday, while crews also battled a blaze at Devil’s Dyke in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
It comes as hundreds of firefighters are also battling one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires, which has killed at least 12 people in the country’s southern Almeria province.
Four of those killed are believed to be British, according to regional authorities.
The Met Office has warned there could be storms in parts of southern England from Monday, but overall another very dry week is expected.
Yellow and amber heat health warnings issued by the UK Health Safety Agency will remain in force across much of England until 9pm on Wednesday.
Record-breaking temperatures make 2026 the first year in which 35 degrees were recorded on six separate days, the Met Office said.
This broke previous records set in 1976 and 2020, when five days with temperatures above 35 degrees were recorded.
This year was also the first to see temperatures of 35°C or higher in three calendar months, breaking the record for most temperatures of 34°C or higher with nine temperatures so far this summer.
The hot weather in recent days has led to a number of water-related deaths; Derbyshire Constabulary announced that the body of an 18-year-old man was pulled from the water near the weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex after two young people got into trouble.
Manchester Police said an 18-year-old man died at Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham on Friday.
The Met Office has warned people planning to enjoy the water to be careful and check the water temperature to avoid cold water shock.
The hot, dry weather has also led water companies to announce a hose ban for the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Kent.
