Fires raging across wildlands put pressure on fire departments as the number of firefighters reaches a 17-year low.

Record Wildfires Stretch Fire and Rescue Services Across the UK

The UK has seen a significant increase in wildfires this year, with a record-breaking 996 incidents reported as of September 4, 2025. This surpasses the previous record of 994 incidents set in 2022.

The rise in wildfires can be attributed to the dry spring and four summer heatwaves that have swept across the country. These conditions have made it easier for wildfires to start and spread rapidly.

One of the most notable incidents occurred in August 2025, when a major incident was declared in Holt Heath, Dorset. The wildfire spread over 72 hectares, prompting crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue to deploy personnel from 47 of its 50 stations to address the situation.

Similarly, North Yorkshire fire services declared a major incident on Langdale Moor in August 2025. In Scotland, a large gorse blaze also broke out on Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, prompting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to issue its 10th warning of the year on avoiding the use of naked flames outdoors.

The increased demand on fire and rescue services has been a growing concern. Since 2014, there has been a 20% increase in demand for their services. Some services have been forced to call in reinforcements from across the country, raising questions about their ability to respond to their full range of duties.

To qualify as a wildfire for English and Welsh services, the blaze must meet at least one of the following criteria: cover at least one hectare, feature flames more than 1.5 meters high, require at least four fire and rescue appliances or resources, need resources to remain on site for at least six hours, or pose a serious threat to life, environment, property, and infrastructure.

The National Fire Chief Council (NFCC) reports a 25% decrease in firefighters since 2008, equivalent to around 11,000 whole-time crew members. This decrease in personnel, coupled with the increased demand for services, has put a significant strain on fire and rescue services across the UK.

Phil Garrigan, who served for 35 years at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, has called for fire and rescue to not be the forgotten emergency service and for action to be taken regarding funding following the Spending Review. Garrigan notes that this year's record wildfires have stretched fire and rescue services to their limit.

The NFCC chairman, Phil Garrigan, states that the climate emergency is ongoing and fire and rescue services will continue to be on the front line. As such, it is crucial that sufficient resources are allocated to ensure they can continue to protect communities effectively.

Unfortunately, there are no search results reporting the number of wildfire incidents in Scotland in 2025. However, Scotland classifies wildfire incidents as a large, uncontrolled outdoor fire that burns more than 1,000 square meters of land.

As the UK continues to experience extreme weather events, it is clear that the role of fire and rescue services will remain vital in protecting our communities. It is essential that they are equipped with the resources they need to meet the challenges that lie ahead.