Firefighters continued to battle wildfires across England amid an ongoing heatwave that has heightened the risk of uncontrolled blazes in the region. Over the weekend, crews deployed helicopters to carry out water drops on a moorland fire near Glossop in Derbyshire, which has burned more than 600 acres since igniting over two weeks ago. Authorities urged the public to avoid closed footpaths as eight fire engines and aerial support worked to contain the flames.

Meanwhile, firefighters also responded to a wildfire at Devil’s Dyke in the South Downs National Park, where eight fire engines and five specialized vehicles were dispatched. The Natural Hazards Partnership, a consortium of public agencies and scientific organizations, issued a red alert warning of an extreme wildfire threat across southern England, the Midlands, and parts of northern England, with expectations that most of Wales could face similar risks in the coming days.

The current heatwave—the UK’s third this year—has been linked to soaring temperatures across Europe, fueling wildfires in several countries. Notably, a severe blaze in Spain’s Almería province has resulted in 12 confirmed deaths, including four British nationals. Authorities reported that some victims did not follow recommended evacuation routes, complicating rescue efforts. Hundreds of firefighters and aerial resources remain engaged in efforts to control a 25-square-mile fire near the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains. In Portugal, Spain, and Greece, fire outbreaks have also been widespread.

Within the UK, the Forestry Commission has warned that conditions such as low humidity and strong, gusting winds are likely to increase the speed and intensity with which fires can ignite and spread. Farmers voiced particular concern about the parched landscape. John Shears, who manages an 80-acre farm near Dartmoor’s northeastern edge, described the wildfire risk as the highest since 1976’s extended heatwave, noting that any fire starting under current conditions could quickly consume large areas.

Officials with Dartmoor National Park Authority emphasized that human activity causes most wildfires and highlighted the importance of public education to reduce risks. The authority has implemented a fire management strategy that includes firebreaks, aiming to mitigate potential damage. They urged visitors not to light fires or barbecues and to carry out all litter to prevent accidental ignitions.

Fire and rescue services have responded to multiple wildfires mainly in southern and eastern England, although the number of recorded wildfires from January through early July 2026—342 incidents—is lower than the 639 recorded during the same period last year, according to National Fire Chiefs Council data.

The intense heat has also strained infrastructure and public services across the UK. Temperatures reached as high as 35.5°C at Wisley in Surrey last week, prompting the UK Health Security Agency to issue amber health alerts south of the Pennines. Roads have been temporarily closed due to melting asphalt, and rail services have faced delays caused by overheated tracks.

NHS England has reported “sustained” pressure on ambulance services, with healthcare workers warning that the absence of air conditioning in hospitals and care homes is exacerbating the impact of the heat on vulnerable patients. Medical staff have described treating individuals experiencing dehydration and heat-related deterioration. According to charity representatives and clinicians, summer demand on health services is rising, further stressing a system traditionally more burdened during winter months.

In response, government ministers are preparing to announce official measures aligned with recommendations from the Climate Change Committee (CCC). The CCC’s May report highlighted the UK’s lack of preparedness for increasing weather extremes linked to climate change, urging upgrades to infrastructure to handle temperatures that could regularly exceed 40°C in the future. Proposed adaptations include installing air conditioning in hospitals and care homes within 10 years and in schools within 25 years, as well as setting maximum working temperatures. The committee estimated these measures would cost approximately £11 billion annually across public and private sectors.

The CCC also warned that by 2050, 92% of homes may suffer from overheating, water scarcity could worsen, and heavier rainfall coupled with hotter seas could lead to more significant flooding risks. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed the government’s commitment to climate resilience aiming for a 2°C temperature rise scenario by 2050 and plans to publish a new Climate Change Risk Assessment early next year.