New figures reveal impact of wildfires

WILDFIRES were consistently in the news during the hot spring and summer of 2025, with incidents in Yorkshire, Northumberland and Greater Manchester all making the headlines.

- By GRAEME WHITFIELD

But now new research has shown just how many incidents fire services in the North had to deal with, with many areas seeing their highest incidence of grassland, woodland and crop fires on record.

Fire chiefs said the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires was putting a strain on resources, but praised the way their crews showed “exceptional bravery and professionalism in challenging conditions”.