Sign in Subscribe
Wildfires

UK Wildfires on Track to Break National Record, Firefighters Warn of "Pushing Limits"

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

UK firefighters are dealing with a surge in wildfires, with 856 incidents in England and Wales alone this year, a third higher than the record-breaking totals seen in 2022. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has warned that hot and dry weather will only increase the number of wildfires, and is advising the public to exercise caution. The NFCC chair, Phil Garrigan, has expressed concern about the strain on firefighters, who are already "pushed to their limits" with recent major incidents. Climate change is fueling more frequent and intense extreme weather events, making wildfires a persistent and growing risk to life, property, and the environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has reported 856 wildfires in England and Wales this year, a third higher than the record-breaking totals seen in 2022.
  • The number of wildfires is expected to increase due to hot and dry weather, with 5 sq km of moorland burning in the North York Moors national park.
  • Firefighters are being "pushed to their limits" with recent major incidents, with some wildfires taking days or weeks to bring under control.
  • A third more wildfires have occurred in 2023 compared to 2022, with 6 times as many as in 2022.
  • 11,000 fewer firefighters are in England now compared to 10 years ago, with a 20% increase in demand over the same period.
  • Climate change is fuelling more frequent and intense extreme weather events, making wildfires a persistent and growing risk.
  • The NFCC is advising the public to exercise caution, avoiding barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas.
  • Research suggests the sea surrounding the Yorkshire coast is likely to break temperature records in 2025, with temperatures 2C higher than in the 1980s.
  • Prof Rodney Forster, of the University of Hull, has stated that the North Sea "appears to be a bit of a hot spot, warming faster than anywhere else and we don't know yet why that is".

Statistics:

  • 856 wildfires reported in England and Wales this year (National Fire Chiefs Council, 2023)
  • Number of wildfires in 2023 is a third higher than in 2022 (National Fire Chiefs Council, 2023)
  • 5 sq km of moorland burning in the North York Moors national park (Reported by fire services, 2023)
  • 11,000 fewer firefighters in England compared to 10 years ago (Government data, 2023)
  • 20% increase in demand for fire and rescue services over the past 10 years (Government data, 2023)
  • Temperatures in the North Sea are 2C higher than in the 1980s (Prof Rodney Forster, University of Hull, 2023)

Sources:

  • "UK firefighters warn 2025 is on track to beat national record for wildfires" (BBC, 2023)
  • "National Fire Chiefs Council warns of surge in wildfires" (NFCC, 2023)
  • "Firefighters 'pushed to limits' as wildfires surge in England" (The Guardian, 2023)
  • "UK wildfires: 'We're already being pushed to our limits'" (BBC, 2023)
  • "UK sea temperatures 'likely to break records'" (BBC, 2023)
  • "Scientists warn of 'persistent and growing' wildfire risk" (The Telegraph, 2023)

Read more