Drier weather leads to huge rise in wildfires

WEST YORKSHIRE RECORDED 2,250 MOORLAND BLAZES

- By IAN JONES

FIREFIGHTERS in West Yorkshire tackled nearly SIX times the number of grassland, woodland and crop fires in 2025 than they faced the previous year.

In England as a whole, fire services tackled nearly 27,000 grassland, woodland and crop fires during the UK’s warmest spring and summer on record, new research shows.

Some services dealt with their highest number of incidents for the spring period since comparable data began, as prolonged dry weather led to a drought being declared in several parts of the country.

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”

West Yorkshire fire service recorded 1,094 grassland, woodland and crop fires this spring, six times the number in 2024, with a further 1,156 incidents in summer.