‘Special’ bushfire risk for parts of the UK as heatwave health warnings are issued

Three record-breaking heatwaves and a prolonged lack of rain have left many parts of England and Wales at risk of increasing bushfires.

Continued hot and dry weather over the next few days, combined with strengthening winds and low humidity, will accelerate vegetation drying and increase fire risk.

Strong winds will also make any fires that start spreading quickly and difficult to contain.

The risk is expected to ease slightly by the middle of next week as winds lighten and the chance of rain increases. However, current forecasts suggest an “exceptional” wildfire risk could continue in East Anglia until Wednesday.

A spokesman for the National Council of Fire Chiefs said: “When the weather is hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can start a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk.”