Huge parts of the UK face an “exceptional” risk of wildfires in the record-breaking heatwave continues, as a major incident has been declared in North Wales where firefighters are battling a large blaze.
Areas in the South East, London and the Midlands are highlighted as being at highest risk, according to Natural England.
The organisation’s fire severity index shows by the middle of the week large parts of the country will be at an “exceptional” risk of wildfires, while most of the rest of England and Wales is deemed to be of “very high” risk over the coming days, as the country swelters in the third heatwave of the year.
On Sunday, a major incident was declared in North Wales with emergency services fighting a wildfire near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain, resulting in dozens of people being evacuated from their homes.
Jami Jennings, the service delivery manager of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment. Due to the size and complexity of the incident, operations are expected to continue for some time.
“We would ask members of the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently.”
Lisa Goodier, the mayor of Penmaenmawr Town Council, said around 60 people were forced to evacuate their homes early on Sunday.
“The biggest shock was the police knocking on people's doors at 6.30am and asking residents to grab a bag and leave now.”
She told The Independent that the fire had become larger throughout the day and created thick smoke that filled people’s homes.
The council was waiting for an update from the fire brigade on the risk to the community, and hoped people could return to their homes on Sunday night.
She said the wildfire had been a shock for their village, adding: “We have a lot of very mountainous areas, and when we have a long period of hot weather, it's quite normal for us to have a mountain fire.
“What is unusual is that we've had a long period of hot weather, and that fire has spread down the mountain.”
The nearby Gladstone Pub in Penmaenmawr took in around 20 people who were made to leave their homes and needed shelter.
Its owner, Gavin Pawry, said: “We've had donations of water and cans of pop…We've had quite a few people come and offer their time.
“Everyone just pulled together and went into work mode essentially and crisis management.”
Natural England uses information such as wind speed, temperature, time of year and rainfall to produce a fire severity assessment, with maps showing the risk increasing throughout the week.
The Met Office has said the scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of the UK are due to last into the coming week, with most areas expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot – all which increase the risk of wildfires.
Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, warned that such conditions “significantly increase wildfire risk”.
“But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,” he added.
“Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.
“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.
“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”
The warnings come after Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to two moorland wildfires in recent days and London Fire Brigade dealt with a blaze involving shrubbery at Stratford Station on Friday evening, which caused rail line closures.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called out to a “large fire in the open” on the South Downs near Eastbourne on Saturday while teams also tackled a blaze at Devil’s Dyke in South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
It comes as hundreds of firefighters have also battled one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires, which has killed at least 12 people in Almeria province in the south of the country.
Four of the dead are believed to be British, according to regional authorities.
The Met Office has warned of possible thunderstorms from Monday in parts of southern England but overall another very dry week is expected.
Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency will remain in place across large parts of England until 9pm Wednesday.
The Met Office has revealed that record-breaking temperatures have led to 2026 becoming the first year to record 35C on six separate days.
This broke the previous records set in 1976 and 2020 when five days were recorded with temperatures over 35C.
This year has also become the first to see temperatures of 35C or higher in three calendar months – and broke the record for most temperatures of 34C or higher, with nine so far this summer.
The hot weather in recent days has led to a number of water-related deaths, with Derbyshire Constabulary announcing that the body of an 18-year-old man had been recovered from the water near the weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex after two teenagers got into difficulty.
Greater Manchester Police said an 18-year-old male died at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, on Friday.
The Met Office warned people planning to enjoy the water to be careful and check the water temperature to avoid cold water shocks.
The hot, dry weather has also led water firms to announce hosepipe bans for the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and areas of Kent.
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