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 fire fighters is down 25 per cent 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 per cent 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.