UK cities warned of wildfire risk

According to fire chiefs, the wildfires that swept through London last week demonstrate the urgent need to apply the lessons learned in fighting rural fires to built-up areas.

The prolonged dry weather dried out gardens, verges, and green spaces as the record-breaking heatwave, with 40C peaks, occurred. That contributed to the kind of blazes that were more typical of the countryside.

After several grass fires spread to nearby structures, more than 40 homes and businesses were completely destroyed.

According to the Met Office, climate change has increased the likelihood of the extreme heat seen last week in the UK by ten times. Wildfires are largely caused by conditions of extreme heat and aridity.

NFCC lead wildfire tactical advisor David Swallow, who is also group commander for Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, said: "Everything is bone-dry and services need to recognise the risk they've now got. If they don't, then they're naïve.

"There are very urban services that think that wildfires are low down on the risk list. I understand the need to prioritise resources, but there needs to be a review."

The firefighters who make up Mr. Swallow's wildfire group are primarily from rural areas like Northumberland, South Wales, the Peak District, and Wiltshire that are more prone to wildfires.