Newly released figures have exposed a startling surge in the number of wildfires across England during the first half of 2025, with several regions experiencing their worst spring on record. The data, obtained by the Press Association through Freedom of Information requests, compares incidents from the spring and summer months of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
A Nation Under Threat: The Alarming Data Trend
The statistics cover fires classified under the "grassland, woodland and crops" category, which includes blazes on heathland, moorland, in woodlands, on roadside vegetation, and on agricultural land. Of the 43 mainland fire and rescue services in England, 35 provided full monthly data for analysis.
The collective figures paint a concerning picture. Across these 35 services, spring (March-May) wildfires skyrocketed from 2,621 in 2024 to 12,454 in 2025. The summer (June-August) period also saw a massive increase, with incidents jumping from 6,788 in 2024 to 14,448 in 2025.
This dramatic rise in 2025 follows two years of comparatively lower numbers after a high baseline in 2022, suggesting a potential link to changing weather patterns and environmental conditions.
Regional Hotspots: Where the Fires Raged
The data reveals significant regional disparities, with urban and rural areas alike facing severe challenges. Several services reported their highest spring totals not just in the four-year FoI dataset, but also when compared to publicly available government data stretching back to 2011.
In the North East, Tyne & Wear recorded a spring high of 1,240 fires, while Durham & Darlington saw 719. The North West was severely affected, with Greater Manchester reporting 1,173 spring fires and Merseyside dealing with 730.
In Yorkshire, West Yorkshire fire services attended 1,094 spring blazes, and South Yorkshire tackled 776. Even traditionally less affected areas saw major spikes; Gloucestershire recorded 114 spring fires, its highest number in over a decade.
Summer figures were equally stark. London faced a massive 1,235 wildfires between June and August 2025, while Essex dealt with 656 and Devon & Somerset with 443.
Understanding the Impact and Looking Ahead
The sheer volume of incidents places immense pressure on fire and rescue services, diverting crucial resources and personnel. Each recorded figure represents a potential threat to property, wildlife, vital infrastructure, and human life.
Experts suggest the increase may be driven by a combination of hotter, drier conditions creating more flammable landscapes, and human activity. The data serves as a critical benchmark for emergency service planning, resource allocation, and public awareness campaigns about fire prevention in the countryside and urban fringe.
With eight fire services unable or unwilling to provide complete data, the full national picture remains partially obscured. However, the overwhelming trend from the responding regions indicates that the challenge of managing wildfire risk in England is intensifying and requires coordinated national attention.
