Fire and rescue services in England and Wales have confronted an unprecedented 996 wildfire incidents so far in 2025, setting a new record. This surge comes despite a significant 25% reduction in firefighter numbers since 2008—equivalent to approximately 11,000 fewer full-time crew members, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
Since 2014, demand on fire services has risen by 20%, driven by extreme weather events, including a dry spring and four intense summer heatwaves. The NFCC highlights that the escalating wildfire numbers are a direct consequence of these changing climate patterns.
Phil Garrigan, NFCC chairman, emphasized the ongoing threat: “While the cooler months approach, the climate emergency persists. Whether it’s wildfires or floods, fire and rescue services are continually on the front line.”
READ MORE: Katie Price Faces Renewed Cancer Concerns as Symptoms Recur
READ MORE: Councillor Steps Down to Focus on Cancer Treatment, Byelection Announced
Garrigan also underscored the human impact of 2025’s wildfire crisis. “This year’s record wildfires have pushed fire and rescue teams to their limits, often requiring days of continuous effort and taking a significant toll on the well-being of firefighters,” he said. Some services have even had to request reinforcements nationwide, raising concerns about their ability to handle the full spectrum of emergencies.
The previous annual record was 994 wildfires in 2022, which notably included 19 incidents in the last quarter. Data up to September 4, 2025, collected by National Resilience, suggests this year will surpass 1,000 wildfires by year-end.
Historical figures illustrate the rising trend: 200 wildfires in 2024, 293 in 2023, 223 in 2021, and 149 in 2020. Garrigan, a veteran with 35 years at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, urged for urgent government action: “Fire and rescue form the backbone of our national resilience. They must not become the forgotten emergency service. Immediate and sustained investment in personnel, equipment, and resources is crucial to tackle the impacts of climate change and protect communities.”
Recent major incidents underscore the severity of the situation. In August 2025, a wildfire engulfed 72 hectares at Holt Heath, Dorset, requiring nearly a week of firefighting efforts and personnel from 47 of Dorset and Wiltshire’s 50 fire stations. Seventeen additional fire services from across the country provided vital support.
Simultaneously, outer Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat experienced a significant gorse fire, prompting Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service to issue its tenth warning of the year about avoiding open flames outdoors. In North Yorkshire, a major wildfire at Langdale Moor near an RAF base was also declared.
Across England, fire and rescue services responded to a total of 600,185 incidents last year, representing a 20% increase over the past decade. For a fire to be classified as a wildfire in England and Wales, it must meet one of several criteria, including covering at least one hectare, flames exceeding 1.5 meters, requiring multiple fire appliances, extended response time, or posing serious threats to life or infrastructure.
In Scotland, a large, uncontrolled outdoor fire is defined as one burning more than 1,000 square meters. As climate change continues to exacerbate fire risks, the strain on fire services highlights the urgent need for expanded support and funding.