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UK Firefighters Battle Escalating Wildfires Amid Record Activity

Emergency services are stretched as unseasonably warm, dry weather fuels major blazes in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England, with calls for long-term investment in fire services.

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Overview

  • Firefighters are actively combating a large wildfire in Glentrool, Scotland, which has spread to areas including Merrick Hill, Ben Yellary, and Loch Dee, with helicopters deployed to control the flames.
  • The wildfire in Hilltown, Northern Ireland, has been brought under control after being declared a major incident; authorities believe it was deliberately started.
  • Road closures remain in place in Cornwall, England, as firefighters address ongoing fires on Bodmin Moor, with travelers advised to avoid the area.
  • The National Fire Chiefs Council has reported 286 wildfires in the UK this year, over 100 more than the same period in 2022, linking the surge to climate change and calling for sustained investment in fire services.
  • Authorities across the UK have issued public warnings to avoid activities like barbecues and improper disposal of cigarettes to reduce the risk of new fires.