Experts say the risk is climbing fast thanks to warm weather and rising temperatures – with blazes threatening homes, wildlife and vast stretches of countryside
Britain is on tinderbox alert as bone-dry conditions spark fears wildfires could rip across the country.
Experts say the risk is climbing fast thanks to warm weather and rising temperatures – with blazes threatening homes, wildlife and vast stretches of countryside.
Fresh alerts of “very high” and “extreme” danger have been issued in parts of the UK in the coming days after weeks without rain.
Fire crews have been battling outbreaks in Scotland, where the risk is set to ramp up from Thursday and peak over the weekend as temps in London hit around 20C.
Western areas face a “very high” warning rising to “extreme” from Friday to Sunday, while central and eastern regions are under a “very high” alert.
The growing threat comes after a string of serious UK blazes in recent years. A huge grassfire destroyed 20 homes in east London during the 2022 heatwave.
More than 24,000 wildfires were recorded across England that summer alone – a four-fold jump on the year before.
Weather chiefs say climate change is fuelling the danger, with hotter, drier spells leaving vegetation like grass, peat and gorse primed to ignite.
Most fires are sparked by human activity including chucked cigarettes, campfires and barbecues.
Wildfire boffin Kenny Barbour said: “Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.
“People living in the impacted areas should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread, causing a large amount of damage.
“Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire. Share wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and visitors.
“If anyone spots a large outdoor fire, please report it immediately by calling 999, providing your location, and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.”