# UK heatwave fuels record wildfires and arson > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/southern-england-wales-weather > Updated: 2026-08-03T14:38:23.000Z. Sources: 161. Developments: 32. The 2026 heatwave now in its fourth month has pushed temperatures above 30 °C across England, Wales and Scotland, with six separate days reaching 35 °C – a first for Britain. Amber and red heat‑health alerts remain in place and water companies have imposed hose‑pipe bans in the east, while several water‑related deaths have been recorded. Fire‑danger ratings stay at “exceptional” in southern England, the Midlands and parts of Wales. Wildfires have erupted from the Merseyside dunes and North Wales mountains to Devon, the Peak District, Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire and the River Dart Country Park in Devon. Major incidents have been declared in Conwy Mountain (north Wales), Tintwistle Moor and Dovestone Reservoir, and the Cairngorms fire continues to burn over 25 sq km of pine forest. Deliberate ignitions have surged. Stoke‑on‑Trent recorded 76 intentional blazes in 17 days, and arrests have been made in Greater Manchester and Staffordshire. Essex, Devon, South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and country parks in Wales and Warwickshire have issued warnings against disposable barbecues, campfires and careless smoking, while councils have posted signs and urged the public to act as “eyes and ears”. Authorities continue to advise residents to keep bins shaded, avoid open flames, stay hydrated and follow health guidance as the heatwave strains emergency services, health care and wildlife across the United Kingdom. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-03: UK country parks fire warnings issued after multiple arson incidents UK councils warn against park fires after multiple arson incidents in Wales and Warwickshire, urging responsible visitor behaviour and undergrowth clearance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-country-parks-fire-warnings-issued-after-multiple-arson-incidents ### 2026-08-01: UK fire services warn of surge in deliberate fires amid heatwave South Yorkshire and Warwickshire fire services warned that deliberate fires, linked to heatwaves and summer holidays, are straining resources and urged public vigilance and education. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-fire-services-warn-of-surge-in-deliberate-fires-amid-heatwave ### 2026-07-28: London Fire Brigade Warns of Wildfire Risk Amid Heatwave London Fire Brigade reports over 1,300 incidents in a week and issues wildfire warnings as temperatures hit 33 °C, with major blazes at Mitcham flats and Rainham grassland. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/london-fire-brigade-warns-of-wildfire-risk-amid-heatwave ### 2026-07-28: UK wildfires surge amid heatwave, with massive Cairngorms blaze persisting UK faces a surge of wildfires during a heatwave, with 700+ incidents in England and Wales and a massive, months‑long Cairngorms blaze in Scotland involving dozens of firefighters and a heat‑health alert. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-wildfires-surge-amid-heatwave-with-massive-cairngorms-blaze-persisting ### 2026-07-24: England dry‑weather wildfires prompt safety warnings Wildfires in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, sparked by disposable barbecues and other careless actions, lead fire services to issue safety warnings amid hot, dry conditions. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/england-dryweather-wildfires-prompt-safety-warnings ### 2026-07-21: UK arson spate sees deliberate wildfires in Essex and Staffordshire Deliberate wildfires in Essex and Staffordshire were extinguished, part of a recent surge of arson incidents across the UK. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-arson-spate-sees-deliberate-wildfires-in-essex-and-staffordshire ### 2026-07-19: 2026 Heatwaves Spur Travel, Health and Home Adjustments in Europe Heatwaves in 2026 drive cooler travel choices, boost emergency calls in the UK, melt tarmac, spur garden cooling tips, and prompt health and mental‑wellness advice. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-heatwave-prompts-home-exterior-cooling-tips ### 2026-07-17: England sees surge in deliberate fires amid heatwave England saw a wave of deliberate fires in July, with 76 arson blazes in Stoke‑on‑Trent and major moorland fires near Dovestone Reservoir, prompting public safety warnings and arrests. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/england-sees-surge-in-deliberate-fires-amid-heatwave ### 2026-07-15: UK rural wildfires spark multi‑agency response in Essex and Devon Fire crews in Essex and Devon battled rural wildfires in June and July, deploying multiple stations to extinguish an 18‑ha field fire caused by a combine harvester and a fast‑moving blaze near River Dart Park,, 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-rural-wildfires-spark-multiagency-response-in-essex-and-devon ### 2026-07-13: Wales and North England hit by multiple wildfires amid UK firewave UK heatwave fuels multiple wildfires in Wales, North England and Merseyside; authorities urge vigilance and ban fire pits, while evacuations and arrests follow. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-wales-wildfires-prompt-evacuations-amid-heatwave ### 2026-07-11: UK wildfires surge across Devon, Peak District and Greater Manchester Wildfires across Devon, the Peak District, Greater Manchester and Nottinghamshire surged during a heatwave, prompting major incident declarations and coordinated fire‑service responses, while authorities warned 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/england-battles-major-wildfires-near-nottingham-power-station-and-manchester-moor ### 2026-07-08: Birmingham heatwave drives temperatures up to 35 °C Met Office forecasts Birmingham temperatures hitting 34‑35 °C as a heatwave continues through the weekend, with clear skies, light winds and mild overnight lows. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/birmingham-heatwave-drives-temperatures-up-to-35-c ### 2026-07-08: UK waste services warn on hot‑weather bin placement and prohibited garden waste items UK waste officials advise shading food‑waste bins in heat and list five prohibited items for garden‑waste bins, noting equipment damage and fines up to £5,000. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-waste-services-warn-on-hotweather-bin-placement-and-prohibited-garden-waste-items ### 2026-07-07: UK heatwave drives record temperatures and widespread wildfire emergencies Britain's 2026 heatwave hits record 35 °C highs, triggers amber/yellow health alerts and an 'exceptional' wildfire risk, with multiple fires, evacuations in Wales and hose‑pipe bans. 62 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-kingdom-endures-record-heatwave-with-wildfire-alerts ### 2026-07-04: UK faces third 2026 heatwave with temperatures forecast up to 35 °C The UK’s third 2026 heatwave is forecast to hit 35 °C in the south, prompting yellow health alerts, a hosepipe ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and safety advice for drivers and infants. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-braces-for-heatwave-as-temperatures-rise-above-30c ### 2026-07-03: UK braces for return of heatwave next week The Met Office predicts a milder heatwave and intensified marine heatwave in the UK next week; motorists are urged to refuel early as high temps may affect fuel efficiency. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-braces-for-return-of-heatwave-next-week ### 2026-07-03: South West England enjoys sunny skies in Dartmouth, Truro and Liskeard Sunny, clear‑skied forecasts for Dartmouth, Truro and Liskeard on Friday, with highs around 21‑22 °C, gentle breezes, low rain chance and evening lows near 14 °C. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sunny-skies-expected-in-dartmouth-and-liskeard-uk ### 2026-06-28: UK braces for record-breaking 41 °C heatwave as July temperatures set to soar The Met Office predicts a July heatwave for the UK, with temperatures potentially hitting 40‑41 °C in western England, breaking records and straining health and transport services. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-heatwave-of-june-2026-subsides-as-extreme-warnings-are-lifted ### 2026-06-26: UK garden neighbour disputes flare online amid heatwave and dog complaints UK neighbours clash over garden placement due to a barking dog and over use of a paddling pool during a heatwave, sparking online debate. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-garden-neighbour-disputes-flare-online-amid-heatwave-and-dog-complaints ### 2026-06-25: UK heatwave forces conference cancellation and raises health alerts A UK red heat warning led to the cancellation of a London conference and spurred NHS alerts as temperatures neared 40 °C, with vulnerable groups at risk of heat stroke. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-heatwave-forces-conference-cancellation-and-raises-health-alerts ### 2026-06-25: Heatwave and Thunderstorm Warnings Sweep Ireland and Parts of the UK Heatwave and thunderstorm warnings hit Ireland and parts of the UK, with high‑temperature alerts, orange fire‑risk in Clare, and yellow thunderstorm warnings in Scotland and the north‑east, prompting flood and 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scotland-endures-intense-june-2026-heatwave-with-thunderstorms ### 2026-06-24: UK and Latvia see soaring temperatures and sunny skies UK towns face 30‑36 °C heat and sunny skies, while Latvia expects temperatures above 30 °C later this week amid persistent sunshine. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southwest-england-enjoys-sunny-mild-conditions-in-late-june ### 2026-06-23: Scotland heatwave pushes Glasgow to 29°C amid record June forecasts Glasgow faces a 29 °C heatwave with health warnings, while nearby Luss promotes a sauna, distillery tours and July 4 Highland Games amid the warm spell. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scotland-heatwave-pushes-glasgow-to-29c-amid-record-june-forecasts ### 2026-06-22: UK heatwave forces climate event cancellation, prompts 45°C warning A Met Office red warning forced a London climate event to be cancelled as UK temperatures neared 40 °C, with scientists warning future heatwaves could hit 45 °C by 2056, threatening health and infrastructure. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-heatwave-and-worldwide-extreme-temperatures-trigger-publichealth-alarm ### 2026-06-22: UK heatwave prompts event‑hosting tips and legal advice on hedge disputes A UK heatwave with temperatures over 37 °C triggers health alerts and leads to advice on cooling outdoor events and legal steps to curb overgrown hedges blocking garden light. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-heatwave-prompts-eventhosting-tips-and-legal-advice-on-hedge-disputes ### 2026-06-16: UK Anticipates June Heatwave with Temperatures Up to 33°C UK heatwave expected from 18 June, reaching 28 °C, with a later 24‑27 June spell peaking at 33 °C and prompting yellow health alerts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-anticipates-june-heatwave-with-temperatures-up-to-33c ### 2026-06-16: UK faces June heatwave with temperatures topping 30 °C UK heatwave forecast for June 19, with temperatures up to 34 °C and health alerts for several regions. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lydney-and-woking-experience-mild-temperatures-and-patchy-rain-forecasts ### 2026-06-13: Devon towns forecast sunny start then patchy rain Devon towns expect sunny weather today with 17‑21 °C, followed by patchy rain tomorrow and generally mild, partly cloudy conditions thereafter. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/devon-towns-forecast-sunny-start-then-patchy-rain ### 2026-06-13: Lydney, UK sees sunny weather on June 13 with partly cloudy next day Lydney, UK had sunny weather on June 13 with temps near 19 °C and no rain; Sunday will be partly cloudy around 20 °C with little rain risk. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lydney-uk-sees-sunny-weather-on-june-13-with-partly-cloudy-next-day ### 2026-06-12: Southwest England sees mild rain on June 12, sunny conditions expected June 13 June 12 brought mild rain and overcast skies to southwest England towns, with temperatures near 17 °C. A sunny, dry June 13 is forecast, with highs around 18 °C and low rain risk continuing through the weekend. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sunny-spells-and-scattered-rain-forecast-for-wales ### 2026-06-11: Rainy weather forecast for parts of the UK and Morocco Rainy forecasts for Aberystwyth (UK) and Monmouthshire (UK) show mild temperatures early, increasing rain later in the week; weekend sunshine expected in Monmouthshire. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rainy-weather-forecast-for-parts-of-the-uk-and-morocco ### 2026-05-21: Sunny, warm forecast for southern England and Wales on May 22‑23 UK towns across southern England and Wales are forecast to have sunny, warm weather on May 22‑23, with highs near 28 °C and minimal rain. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nottinghamshire-enjoys-sunny-warm-weather-on-may-22 --- Cite as: UK heatwave fuels record wildfires and arson. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/southern-england-wales-weather