Wildfire risk reaches "exceptional" levels as British Red Cross stands ready to help

Last updated 14 July 2026

British Red Cross volunteers are on standby to provide support across the UK after Natural England warned of an “exceptional” wildfire risk. 

The risk level is currently rated as "exceptional", the highest of the Fire Severity Index's five levels, across the Midlands, East and Southeast England, and London, with additional areas expected to reach this threshold later in the week. 

Natural England is the executive non-departmental public body advising the UK government on the natural environment in England. 

The Fire Severity Index shows the severity of a fire if one were to start. 

Areas at “exceptional” and “high” risk of wildfires 

Much of the rest of England, along with parts of Wales, is also classified as being at very high risk of wildfires. This includes Conwy in North Wales, where a major incident has been declared following a wildfire on Conwy Mountain. 

The British Red Cross emergency response team is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to support local authorities and affected communities. 

Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, said: “Wildfires spread with devastating speed, destroying homes, habitats and lives. Hot weather and little to no rain have made it easier for grass and wildfires to spread quickly.  

“Many people in the UK will be following the news to keep informed of the latest risks in their area, but we also want people to feel confident to act themselves. If you live in a high-risk area, know your escape routes, follow local alerts and keep your property clear of flammable materials.   

“We know the country is getting hotter, and heatwaves and wildfires will be an increasing reality here in the UK. Taking a few minutes now to learn the risks could save lives later.”   

Read more about wildfires in the UK, what the causes are and why they're increasing.

Is my area at risk of wildfires?  

The Fire Severity Index provides an assessment of how severe a fire could become if one were to start.  

A higher Fire Severity Index means a fire could start more easily, spread more quickly and be more difficult for firefighters to control. 

Prepare for wildfires 

Wildfires can start and spread quickly. Make sure you know how to respond with our advice on: 

• How to prepare for a wildfire 
• Wildfire safety and how to prevent a fire starting 
• What to do if you see a wildfire 

Wildfire safety advice

When will the heatwave end?  

 The Met Office has confirmed that the heatwave conditions of last week will continue in the southern and western parts of the UK with temperatures likely to peak by Tuesday and Wednesday at around 30C – 32C.  

 Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said “The overall pattern continues to remain settled with large amounts of sunshine throughout this week, and temperatures peaking around 30°C–32°C across parts of England and Wales. 

“In terms of rain, there’s a chance of some showers and thunderstorms in isolated spots in the south of England on Wednesday and Thursday, but these are likely to be sporadic in nature, and many people won’t see any rain this week. 

"By the weekend, high pressure builds back in from the northwest, reducing the shower risk and bringing a return to more widely settled, dry and still warm conditions. Temperatures ease slightly by Saturday compared with the midweek peak but continue to remain fine and warm for many areas.” 

How to cope during a heatwave 

Looking for heatwave advice? Find out how to stay safe during hot weather, keep your home cool, recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and support vulnerable family members and neighbours. 

• Advice for vulnerable people 
• How to keep your house cool  
• How to stay cool at night in a heatwave 
• Heatwave first aid advice 
• The difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion  

2,700 excess deaths estimated during May and June 2026 heatwaves 

The UK is currently experiencing its third official heatwave of the year following record-breaking temperatures in May and June.  

Research from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimated that more than 2,700 people in England and Wales are thought to have died from heat-related causes during the May and June heatwaves. Around 550 deaths are estimated to have occurred in the May heatwave (21 – 29 May 2026) and 2,200 during the June heatwave (18 – 28 June 2026).  

Both heatwaves set new monthly temperature records – 35.1C in May and 37C in June.  

Dr. Clair Barnes, Research Associate in Extreme Weather and Climate Change, Imperial College London said: “We all love the sun, but people need to be aware that we are now seeing dangerous climate-change fuelled heat that is claiming lives, disrupting schools and hospitals and shutting down transport and infrastructure.” 

“It’s time we woke up to the fact that we now live in a country with dangerously hot summers. To protect people during future extremes, we must urgently adapt to the reality of the climate we now have, and double down on global efforts to reach net zero emissions to stop this from getting worse.” 

Read more about climate change and how increasing temperatures are having an impact on lives across the world. 

How to support communities at risk of wildfires

• Donate to help us prepare for emergencies, respond when wildfires strike and support people as they recover.
• Volunteer to help strengthen community resilience and provide support before, during and after emergencies.
• Learn about wildfire risks and share trusted information with friends, family and your local community.
• Take steps to prevent and prepare for wildfires with advice on reducing risks, staying safe and how to be ready for an emergency.