UK issues national fire alert as heatwave fuels wildfires
Wildfires spread across England and Wales amid extreme heat. The UK government issued a national fire alert on Aug 14, 2026 and banned open-flame activities that could easily start fires.
Amid extreme and persistent heat, wildfires broke out frequently across England and Wales. The UK government issued a national fire alert on August 14, 2026, banning people from carrying out any open-flame activities that could easily trigger fires. In the worst-hit area of Stourbridge in the West Midlands, 19 houses were completely destroyed and 18 damaged.