Heatwaves and wildfires

During extended heatwaves and drought, the risk of wildfires increases.

As of July 2026, English and Welsh fire and rescue services have responded to over 700 wildfires this year. The number of wildfires this year has already reached the combined total for the whole of 2021, 2023 and 2024.

The impact of wildfires on people and wildlife is devastating, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to avoid them.

Wildfires are increasing pressure on nature and landscapes

Climate change is creating hotter, drier conditions and these increase the risk of wildfires. These fires aren’t just putting our homes, livelihoods and human health at risk - they also having devastating impacts on wildlife and habitats. Heathlands, peatlands and grasslands are especially vulnerable.

#nature

Creating healthier landscapes can help prevent wildfires

The best way to respond to the risk of wildfires is by restoring landscapes, so they hold more water and are much less vulnerable to burning. For example:

Restoring peatlands retains water and builds complex vegetation, which can prevent and stop fires
The return of beavers can slow the flow of water, creating wetland habitats and contributing to natural flood management. This helps landscapes cope better with both drought and extreme rainfall

Government must urgently put nature at the heart of its plans to tackle climate change and build resilience across society. If we want to be better prepared for the future, protecting and restoring nature must be central to how we respond across every section of society - from planning and development to agriculture and plans to tackle water scarcity.

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What you can do to help prevent wildfires

Although they’re referred to as ‘wildfires’, most are caused by people – either purposefully or accidentally.

Whether visiting the countryside, your local park, or a nature reserve, it's important to remember these top tips to prevent wildfires.

Dispose of cigarettes responsibly

Never throw cigarette ends on to the ground. Even if they are fully extinguished, they can remain hot and can easily ignite dry vegetation. Carefully discard to avoid starting an accidental fire. It’s important to remember that there is no risk-free way to smoke cigarettes in natural places during hot, dry weather.

Take a picnic, not a BBQ

Barbecues present a strong fire risk when the weather is so dry. Instead, pack a picnic and leave the barbecue behind.

Be mindful of glass bottles and tins

Many people aren’t aware that glass bottles and jars and tin cans, if left in the sunlight, are a significant fire risk. Always take your litter home with you.

Avoid parking on dry grass

If parked on dry grass, car exhausts can be hot enough to ignite the vegetation beneath them.

If you find a wildfire, call 999

Move to a safe place, away from the smoke, and call 999.

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Helping wildlife and yourself during a heatwave

Give wildlife space

When the weather is hot, there can be added pressure on places for nature as people head outside. This is particularly true of water sources, like lakes, rivers and the sea, where you should observe all signage and advice to keep yourself and wildlife safe.

If you’re spending time outside, please remember that wildlife needs space. Avoid disturbing wildlife, including birds and mammals who call our waterways and beaches home, to allow them to conserve their valuable energy to keep cool and find food instead.

Help wildlife in your garden

As hot weather and heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, there are ways that you can help the wildlife in your garden or local area to cope, like leaving out water.

From window boxes and balconies to patios, collectively, our gardens create an area larger than all of the National Nature Reserves combined, so your efforts can really help!

How to help wildlife in hot weather

If you find wildlife in distress, such as fledglings or hedgehogs, contact a local rescue centre for advice.