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News · 12 August 2026

England and Wales record 1,017 wildfires this year

England and Wales record 1,017 wildfires this year

Unsplash / JOHN TOWNER

England and Wales have recorded 1,017 wildfires so far this year, matching last year's total, with a major blaze still burning in the New Forest. An emergency Cobra meeting, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, is scheduled for Wednesday to address the UK's strategy. Temperatures are expected to reach 38C on Thursday, with an amber extreme heat warning covering all of England.

Reported by Independent · How we write briefs

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