Wildfire alert for UK as 'exceptional' warning issued with 33C heatwave temperatures

Wildfire alert for UK as 'exceptional' warning issued with 33C heatwave temperatures After more than a dozen fire engines attended wildfires in Derbyshire and Sussex, further warnings have been issued as sweltering heat As the third heatwave of the summer continues to grip, parts of the UK are facing an "exceptional" risk of wildfires over the next few days. The Natural Hazards Partnership, a group of government departments and researchers that offers scientific advice and risk assessments for natural disasters, has issued a red alert over an extreme wildfire risk in southern England, the Midlands and part of the north. Eight fire engines attended fires near Glossop in Derbyshire on Saturday as firefighters worked through Friday night to battle a wildfire at Devil’s Dyke in the South Downs national park. According to Natural England, there is a big risk of more as the UK continues to swelter. The Forestry Commission has also warned that low humidity and strong gusting winds expected on Sunday increase the chances of fires starting - and spreading rapidly. Between 1 January and 6 July this year, 342 wildfires have been recorded. The warning comes as twelve people died with dozens still missing in one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires on record. Several victims were found inside burnt-out vehicles and were thought to have died while trying to flee the flames. It is feared four Brits are amongst the dead. Many areas of the UK are set to enter their second week of temperatures above the heatwave threshold. As a result, amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency and remain in place until Sunday night. Met Office Science Manager, Dr Amy Doherty, said: “This year has already seen a number of remarkable temperature milestones. Not only have we now recorded a record eight days with temperatures exceeding 34C, surpassing the previous record held by 1976 and 2020, but it is also the first year in the UK weather record to see temperatures reach 35C or higher in May, June and July. "These records highlight just how notable this year has been for UK temperatures, with exceptional warmth observed across multiple months.” Even today despite a breeze across much of the UK, temperatures are forecast to remain high with 31-33C possible in parts of south-east Wales and south-west England. Fire chiefs issued a warning over the risk of wildfires heading into a humid weekend. A National Fire Chiefs Council spokesperson said: "When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk. "We’re asking everyone to take extra care outdoors, whether that’s avoiding disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks or moorlands, or making sure cigarettes are fully extinguished. A few simple actions can make a huge difference and help prevent fires before they start." There will be sweet relief for some. Parts of the UK are likely to be drenched by heavy rain on Sunday and ccording to weather maps produced by the Met Office, several parts of Scotland are expected to experience downpours as conditions shift away from the recent heatwave. But London faces an "extreme" risk from wildfires this weekend and the brigade's assistant commissioner Tom Goodall said: "We want everyone across the city to enjoy the continuing heatwave but this must be done responsibly. "The latest wildfire risk assessment indicates that if grassfires were to break out, the chance of them spreading more rapidly due to the weather conditions is greater. "With so many of London's parks and open spaces close to properties and communities, it is vital the public take as much care as possible to prevent these fires starting in the first place. "That means no disposable barbecues in parks and open spaces, taking rubbish home with you if no bins are available and ensuring your cigarettes are discarded properly. "If you're having a barbecue at home, make sure it is on level ground and away from decking, fences, trees and balconies."