England and Wales have seen a record breaking number of wildfires so far in 2026, matching the amount in the UK in the entirety of last year, it has been confirmed.
Some 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales so far in 2026, the same as the record-breaking total for the whole of last year, the National Fire Chiefs Council said.
Between January 1 and August 12 last year, 869 wildfires had been recorded, in what was then the worst year on record.
Over the same period in 2022, also one of the worst years for wildfires, the figure was 843.
NFCC, who collected the data, has warned of the increased risks climate change has had on wildfires in the UK.
Chairman Phil Garrigan said: “Most wildfires in the UK are caused because of human behaviours, careless, accidental or unfortunately intentional acts.
“But as climate change brings more frequent periods of hot, dry weather, the conditions for wildfires are becoming more dangerous, increasing their scale and intensity.
“Hot, dry weather and drought are turning parts of the UK into tinderbox landscapes, allowing fires to spread faster, burn longer and place greater pressure on fire and rescue services.
Wildfires have decimated the UK countryside throughout 2026
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GETTY
“Wildfires are becoming part of our new reality and we need to be honest about both the causes and the conditions that are driving them.
“While over 1,000 wildfires have been recorded so far this year, the incident numbers alone do not tell the full story.
“They do not capture the scale, duration and complexity of these incidents, or the impact they have on communities, the environment and fire and rescue services.
“As their impact grows, we must work with all stakeholders to ensure we have the right capabilities needed to protect our communities and to respond effectively when wildfires occur.”
The figures come as Andy Burnham is set to chair an emergency Cobra committee later on Wednesday in response to a prolonged spell of exceptionally hot and dry weather.
The Prime Minister said on Wednesday he will consider imposing a ban on disposable barbecues amid the risk of further wildfires.
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