UK fire services warn of surge in deliberate fires amid heatwave

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue used Yorkshire Day to urge the public to help keep fire engines available after two major grass and field fires on July 31 were deemed deliberate or caused by carelessness. The service asked residents to report suspicious fires, avoid open‑air barbecues, and dispose of rubbish and cigarettes safely.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that its crews attended 134 deliberate fires in the first six months of 2026. The service warned that hotter, drier weather and school holidays could drive the number higher, stressing the risk to lives, wildlife, property and emergency‑service capacity. Councillor Robert Gisbourne highlighted the need for parental and community vigilance, while prevention manager Moreno Francioso promoted the Fire Setting Intervention Scheme to educate children showing fire‑setting behaviour.