Wildfires are currently raging in 19 different locations throughout England and Wales as scorching temperatures persist across the UK, prompting additional heat-health warnings for a large part of the country.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow alerts for seven regions in England from Tuesday to Friday this week, in anticipation of temperatures reaching up to 33C in southern and central areas, according to forecasts from the Met Office.
Emergency services are actively managing 19 wildfire incidents, dealing with a mix of significant moorland and agricultural fires, as reported by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
Assessments by NFCC indicate a continued “severe wildfire risk” in many parts of England and Wales, with certain areas facing an “extreme risk” classification.
Notably, major incidents have been declared due to wildfires in North Wales and Glossop, Derbyshire, situated in the Peak District.
According to a spokesperson from the Met Office, the ongoing heatwave is anticipated to persist across the majority of the UK this week, with potential temperature highs of 33 degrees Celsius expected in specific regions of southern-central England.
The spokesperson added that southern-central parts of England are likely to experience temperatures in the low 30s throughout the week, with other areas possibly reaching the mid to high 20s.
The prevailing high-pressure weather system is expected to maintain sunny and warm conditions across most of the UK, resulting in clear skies and minimal rainfall in many areas.
However, temperatures are forecasted to moderate towards the end of the week, with peak temperatures expected to drop to the mid-to-high 20s by Saturday.
Phil Garrigan, Chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council, highlighted the challenges faced by fire and rescue services in responding to significant wildfires across the UK, emphasizing the rapid spread of fires due to dry conditions.
Garrigan urged the public to exercise caution outdoors, advising against using disposable barbecues in natural areas, disposing of cigarettes properly, and ensuring litter is disposed of responsibly to prevent the risk of wildfires and protect communities, wildlife, and landscapes.
