UK Fire Chiefs Issue Urgent Wildfire Warning as Third Heatwave Takes Hold

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued an urgent warning over an increased risk of wildfires as the UK enters its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to peak later this week. Employers and site managers across affected regions are being urged to review fire safety protocols, particularly where operations involve outdoor work, combustible materials, or public access to dry grassland and heathland.

Forecasters expect temperatures to reach 36 degrees Celsius in some areas on Thursday and Friday, with many regions widely exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. In South-east England, official heatwave criteria were met on July 6 after three consecutive days above 28 degrees Celsius. By Wednesday, July 8, the Met Office recorded 33.8 degrees Celsius at Heathrow and 31.2 degrees Celsius in Cardiff.

With fire departments already stretched and the wildfire risk elevated for days to come, now is the time to ensure your fire safety documentation is fully in order. The free Fire Safety Toolkit from Health & Safety Adviser gives you a complete set of ready?to?use documents – including a fire risk assessment template, evacuation plan, and fire extinguisher training guides – so you can stay compliant with current UK regulations and protect your people and premises. Download the free Fire Safety Toolkit

Fire Services Stretched by Surge in Callouts

Fire departments across the country have reported a sharp increase in incidents linked to the prolonged dry weather. On July 8 alone, Northamptonshire Fire Service attended 48 callouts. These included a 15-acre farmland fire in Sulby that damaged a combine harvester, a 10-acre hay baler fire in Church Stowe, and additional field and barn fires in Yelvertoft and Chelveston.

In Surrey, crews tackled several wildfires, including an incident at Whitmoor Common that scorched an area the size of 1.5 football pitches. Preliminary investigations suggest discarded glass caused the blaze. In the South West, the wildfire risk level has been raised to red for the weekend of July 11 and 12.

The NFCC, alongside local fire services including the Jersey Fire Service, has urged the public to avoid using disposable barbecues and to ensure the safe disposal of smoking materials and glass. For businesses operating in rural or semi-rural areas, the guidance reinforces the need for clear fire-risk assessments and controls around outdoor activities.

Health Alerts Extended Across England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has established amber heat health alerts for the Midlands and southern England, effective from 9:00 a.m. on July 8 through 9:00 p.m. on July 12. These alerts were later extended to include Yorkshire and North-west England, while a yellow alert remains in place for northern England. Employers should be aware that amber alerts indicate a risk to health for vulnerable individuals and may require adjustments to working conditions, particularly for outdoor workers.

Water safety organisations have also raised concerns during the hot spell. The RNLI warned of the dangers of cold water shock, noting that more than 20 water-related deaths occurred during previous heatwaves in May and June this year.

Transport and Infrastructure Disrupted

The extreme heat has caused significant disruption to public services. East Midlands Railway suspended services between Nottingham and Worksop and Leicester from noon on Wednesday, July 8, while other routes faced reduced speeds due to the risk of tracks buckling. Businesses reliant on rail freight or staff commuting should factor in potential delays.

Beyond transport delays, the heatwave also amplifies workplace risks that require up?to?date risk assessments – especially for outdoor workers and sites near dry vegetation. What happens if a workplace incident occurs and your risk assessment is missing or out of date? The free Risk Assessment Toolkit contains 41 ready?to?use templates covering fire safety, manual handling, lone working, and more, helping you document your controls with confidence. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit

In the legal sector, Bristol Crown Court was rendered partially unusable because of the high temperatures. In one instance, a defendant was convicted of murder via video link after the court facilities could not accommodate in-person proceedings.

Meteorologists suggest this heatwave could last up to 10 days, potentially becoming one of the longest sustained periods of high temperatures recorded in the UK since 1976. While temperatures are high, they are not currently expected to break the record of 37.7 degrees Celsius set in Norfolk in June.

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