New Forest wildfire continues as temperatures rise

England and Wales have seen as many wildfires in 2026 so far as there were in the whole of last year, new figures have revealed, as the Prime Minister is set to convene an emergency meeting about the extreme weather facing the country.

Some 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, according to data shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the same as last year’s record-breaking total.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the New Forest fire is a “great concern”.

“There is obviously a significant problem of wildfires in the South,” he said.

Burnham confirmed that he is considering a ban on disposable BBQs after the wildfire prompted further warnings about using them in high risk areas.

HIWFRS said: “It only takes one careless action to start a wildfire.

“A single discarded cigarette, campfire or barbecue can rapidly escalate into a serious wildfire, causing widespread damage to wildlife and the countryside, endangering firefighters and putting additional pressure on already stretched emergency resources.”

People are advised to take home litter, avoid smoking and using barbecues, and not to light campfires or bonfires.

The fire service also warned drivers not to park on dry grass as the underside of vehicles can reach over 400C.