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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Holly Evans and Stuti Mishra

Wildfires reach record levels ahead of 37C heatwave

Andy Burnham Cobra
  • England and Wales have recorded 1,017 wildfires so far in 2026, matching last year's record-breaking total amid consecutive heatwaves.
  • Temperatures are set to reach 37C on Thursday, putting all of England under an amber extreme heat warning.
  • Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to chair an emergency Cobra meeting to coordinate the response to the prolonged heatwave.
  • Southern Water, meanwhile, is pushing for a rare drought order.
  • Fire service leaders have warned that the country faces a national emergency as prolonged dry weather strains emergency services.

IN FULL

UK weather latest: Burnham to chair Cobra meeting on extreme heat amid warning of wildfire ‘national emergency’

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