Parts of UK at ‘exceptional’ risk of wildfires as heatwave goes on

Parts of the United Kingdom are at “exceptional” risk of wildfires as the heatwave continues, experts have warned.

Areas in southern England and the Midlands are highlighted as being at highest risk, according to Natural England.

Its fire severity index shows the area of “exceptional” risk is set to increase and spread to the South East and east of England by the middle of the week while most of the rest of England and Wales is deemed to be of “very high” risk over the coming days.

The Met Office has said the scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of the UK are expected to last into the coming week, with most areas set to stay dry, sunny and very hot.

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, warned that such conditions “significantly increase wildfire risk”.

“But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,” he said.