Wildfire Warnings Issued Amidst Rising Temperatures and Dry Conditions Across the UK

Extreme" wildfire warnings are in effect this weekend due to the warm weather. Firefighters are currently battling blazes in Scotland.

The Met Office predicts temperatures will reach a high of 24C in London and southeast England on Friday. This would make it the warmest day of the year so far, following a peak of 23.6C last Friday. Fire brigades are urging caution due to the heightened wildfire risk, which is attributed to low rainfall in recent weeks.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has extended an "extreme" wildfire warning for all of Scotland for Friday and Saturday. Firefighters are actively fighting a fire in Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran, following earlier incidents in Dumfries and Glasgow this week. Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour is urging the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid anything involving an open flame. He emphasized the importance of responsible behavior in rural areas and adherence to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is also advising Londoners to avoid using barbecues due to the increased wildfire risk in the capital. LFB assistant commissioner Thomas Goodall stated that the risk is heightened and will continue to increase without rainfall. Firefighters also responded to wildfires in Northern Ireland earlier this week. A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson reported that fire crews responded to 41 wildfire calls.

The UK has experienced at least 286 wildfires this year, exceeding the number recorded during the same period in 2022. The LFB reported a 48% increase in calls last weekend compared to the same weekend in 2024.

A meteorologist at the Met Office explained that temperatures will be significantly above average on Friday. High pressure is currently dominating the weather, leading to settled and dry conditions.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has emphasized the need for long-term investment to address climate change and the increased demand on fire services.

Mr. Goodall noted that some recent fires are believed to have been started intentionally. He urged Londoners to behave responsibly to reduce the risk of fires, especially during the warm weather. He also advised parents to educate their children about fire risks and encouraged everyone to avoid using barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, properly dispose of rubbish, and carefully handle cigarettes.

The UK experienced a record-breaking March in terms of sunshine and dry spells. England had its sunniest March since records began in 1910, and it was the UK's third sunniest March overall. Rainfall was below average, with only 43% of the average rainfall recorded for the month.