Key facts
- The Fire Brigades Union declared equipping UK firefighters a national priority due to a surge in wildfires.
- Nearly 71.3% of England is experiencing a "flash drought", impacting water resources and agriculture.
- Emergency calls to the London fire brigade increased by 31% compared to the five-year average.
- A wildfire in the New Forest spread to an area the size of 140 football pitches.
- England and Wales recorded their driest July in history.
- The government is monitoring the drought situation and focusing on resilience.
Firefighters in the UK are facing immense pressure due to an "unprecedented summer of dangerous and volatile wildfires," according to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). Steve Wright, the FBU general secretary, stated that equipping firefighters is a "national priority" given the increasing environmental challenges.
Authorities have declared that almost three-quarters of England is now in drought, with approximately 45 million people living in affected areas and over 27 million under water use restrictions. This "flash drought" is characterized by very low rainfall and higher temperatures, placing strain on water resources for agriculture, public supplies, and the environment.
Emergency services are stretched thin. The London fire brigade reported a 31% increase in emergency calls this summer compared to the previous five-year average, responding to hundreds of wildfires and water rescues. A significant wildfire in the New Forest, Hampshire, spread to an area equivalent to 140 football pitches, requiring over 120 firefighters to tackle.
The climate breakdown is linked to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires globally, with the UK experiencing its most widespread "fire wave" due to a combination of wet winters and prolonged heatwaves. Southern England and Wales experienced their hottest July on record, and England and the UK as a whole had their second hottest July.
No 10 acknowledged the "significant impact" of dry conditions on communities, farmers, and businesses, stating that droughts are becoming more common due to climate change. The government is focusing on immediate response and long-term resilience, working with water companies and farmers to manage water resources. The FBU has called for increased funding, better equipment, and improved national resilience, noting that fire crews have been stretched by staffing cuts since 2010.