England faces 'exceptional' wildfire risk amid heatwave

Key facts

• Parts of southern England and the Midlands are at "exceptional" risk of wildfires.
• The risk is expected to spread to the South East and east of England by mid-week.
• Most of England and Wales are at "very high" risk.
• The heatwave is forecast to continue with dry and hot conditions.
• Fire officials warn that human carelessness is a common cause of wildfires.
• Several recent fires have been reported across England.

Large areas of England and Wales are facing an "exceptional" risk of wildfires as a prolonged heatwave continues with little prospect of rain. Natural England has identified southern England and the Midlands as being at the highest risk, with this exceptional danger expected to spread to the South East and east of England by the middle of the week. The majority of England and Wales are currently under a "very high" wildfire risk assessment.

The Met Office anticipates that the scorching heatwave conditions will persist into the coming week, with most regions experiencing dry, sunny, and very hot weather. Temperatures are expected to remain above 30C.

Fire officials, including Dave Swallow of the National Fire Chiefs Council, have warned that these conditions significantly increase wildfire risk. They emphasize that most wildfires are ignited by human activity, such as discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues, or glass bottles left in the sun. Fire services are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when enjoying outdoor spaces.

Recent incidents include Derbyshire Fire and Rescue responding to two moorland wildfires and the London Fire Brigade tackling a blaze at Stratford Station. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also attended a large fire on the South Downs near Eastbourne, and a fire at Devil's Dyke in West Sussex.

This situation in the UK occurs as Spain grapples with one of its deadliest wildfires, which has resulted in at least 12 fatalities in the Almeria province, with four believed to be British nationals.