The extreme summer heat of 2022, which dried out vegetation and soils, played a significant role in this surge. Met Office projections indicate that fire-conducive weather will become more frequent, with the number of summer days favourable for wildfires expected to double under 2°C of warming and increase fivefold under 4°C. This trend poses grave risks to biodiversity, carbon storage, and public health.
Alarmingly, almost all wildfires in the UK are human-induced, underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and engagement to mitigate risks. Despite the escalating threat, the UK’s preparedness remains a concern. There has been a substantial decline in firefighting capacity; since 2010, approximately 12,000 firefighter positions have been cut, resulting in understaffed services and overburdened personnel during emergencies. The Home Office had committed to publishing a Wildfire Action Plan by mid-2024 to address key challenges in fire hazard assessment, Fire and Rescue Service response, and land management strategies. However, the plan is yet to be released.Poor air quality associated with wildfires is another concern. Increased levels of ground-level ozone, particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, and allergenic pollen linked to wildfire events are exacerbating respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Strengthening community engagement and bolstering the UK’s climate resilience are critical steps in mitigating the rising threat of wildfires.