UK wildfires surge amid heatwave, with massive Cairngorms blaze persisting

More than 700 wildfires have been recorded across England and Wales this year, with 208 incidents reported in just 12 days as a heatwave drives hot, dry conditions. An amber heat‑health alert covering the East Midlands, the East and South‑East of England and London remains in force, warning of heightened risks to vulnerable groups. Fire chiefs note that continued dry weather, warmer temperatures and rural harvesting activity are creating an environment where fires can start and spread quickly.

In Scotland, the Cairngorms wildfire, which broke out on July 15, has become deep‑seated and could take months to extinguish. Around 70 firefighters, nine fire appliances and specialist equipment are deployed, supported by helicopter water‑bombing and heavy machinery. The blaze has scorched roughly 25 sq km of ancient Caledonian pine forest, with more than 500 personnel involved in the response since it began.