2026 Marks Second-Highest Wildfire Year in England’s History

England faces second-highest wildfire count in 2026, with record July fires and widespread damage.

October 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — England recorded its second-highest number of wildfires on record in 2026, driven by an unusually hot and dry summer, according to preliminary government data released this week.

The Housing Department (MHCLG) reported that 1,354 wildfires were recorded between January and August, with July marking the most severe month ever documented for such incidents. The surge in fires has raised concerns about the impact of climate conditions on natural landscapes and communities.

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By August 10, over 23,359 hectares had been burned, including 72 large fires exceeding 30 hectares in size. These blazes led to evacuations, property damage, and disruptions to protected habitats, requiring coordinated efforts from multiple agencies to manage the crisis.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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