Wildfires tackled in England and Wales hits record level

FIRE crews in England and Wales have responded to 996 wildfire incidents so far in 2025, the highest number on record

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Meanwhile, the number of firefighters is down 25% since 2008, the equivalent of around 11,000 wholetime crew members, according to the National Fire Chief Council (NFCC).

Fire and rescue services are facing a 20% increase in demand since 2014 and wildfire numbers have rocketed this year as a result of the dry spring and four summer heatwaves, the charity and independent membership association reported.

NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan said: "The cooler months may be on their way, but the climate emergency is not going anywhere. If it is not wildfires, it is floods - and fire and rescue will always be on the front line."

He added: "This year's record wildfires have stretched fire and rescue services to the limit, tying up crews for days on end and taking a real human toll on the firefighters who put themselves in harm's way to protect us.