The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) reported on 17 August 2026 that fire and rescue services in England and Wales had responded to 1,132 wildfires between 1 January and 16 August 2026, surpassing the 1,017 total for the whole of 20251. The figures come from National Resilience data provided directly to the NFCC1.
The NFCC said incident numbers are beginning to fall after a sustained period of wildfire activity across the UK, while warning that conditions remain exceptionally dry in many parts of the country1. Its chair, Phil Garrigan, said the public response following Friday's emergency alert had helped reduce the risk of further fires at a time when emergency services have been under pressure1. The date of that alert is not given in the announcement.
The council sets out the definition of a wildfire used by fire and rescue services in England and Wales under its Operational Guidance. A wildfire meets one or more of the following criteria1:
| Criterion | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Area involved | At least one hectare (10,000 square metres) |
| Sustained flame length | More than 1.5 metres |
| Resources committed | At least four fire and rescue service appliances or resources |
| Duration of commitment | At least six hours |
| Threat | A serious threat to life, environment, property and infrastructure |
"It has also been fantastic to see how the public have responded following Friday's emergency alert"
The NFCC describes itself as a charity and an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service1.
Why it matters for households
The figures cover England and Wales and the period to 16 August 2026, so they do not include any fires after that date, and the announcement gives no regional breakdown of where the 1,132 incidents occurred1. The NFCC says conditions remain exceptionally dry in many parts of the country and that it only takes one spark to start a serious wildfire1. Garrigan urged everyone to remain vigilant, continue to follow public safety advice and avoid any activity that could start a fire1. The NFCC also said continued public support and responsibility will be critical in the days ahead as firefighters and fire control teams continue their work1. Practical guidance on risk and prevention is set out in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, within the wider heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The NFCC said incident numbers are beginning to reduce but that services are not out of the situation yet, with dry conditions persisting in many areas1. No further update date or publication schedule has been reported.
Sources (1)
- Wildfire Update: Continued Vigilance Needed - NFCC, nfcc.org.uk
Wildfires and Grass Fires
