A major incident has been declared in north Wales as firefighters battle wildfires across England and Wales during a record-breaking heatwave. Emergency services are actively working to contain the fire near Conwy Mountain, prompting evacuations and public warnings. As of Sunday, July 12, 2026, the situation remains critical with multiple areas affected.
Firefighting Efforts in North Wales
The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported ongoing operations to contain the fire on Conwy Mountain. They emphasized that crews are facing "challenging conditions" as they work to control the blaze. Residents in the nearby village of Capelulo have been advised to evacuate and follow emergency services' instructions.
In addition to the major incident in Wales, firefighters are managing several other wildfires across England. The service stated that operations are expected to continue for some time, indicating the severity and complexity of the situation.
Widespread Wildfires Across England
Fire crews are also responding to a significant moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Greater Manchester. The fire, exacerbated by high winds, poses a risk of smoke spreading to surrounding areas. Residents have been cautioned to keep windows and doors closed.
In Camberley, Hampshire, firefighters are engaged in extinguishing a large heathland fire. The blaze has affected approximately 10 hectares (25 acres) of land since it began on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services are monitoring hotspots, ensuring the fire does not reignite.
Increased Wildfire Risk Amid Heatwave
With parts of the UK experiencing extreme heat, Natural England has identified southern England, along with pockets of the South Midlands, as facing the highest wildfire risk in the coming days. Following three consecutive heatwaves and a lack of rainfall, the risk of wildfires has escalated significantly.
- Multiple wildfires reported in County Durham, Derbyshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, Devon, and Somerset.
- Warnings issued about potential health impacts due to high temperatures.
- Amber and yellow heat health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency in effect until Wednesday night.
As the dry weather continues, experts warn that vegetation is drying out, increasing the likelihood of fire outbreaks. The risk may slightly decrease mid-next week with expected lighter winds and potential showers.
In related news, safety warnings have been issued following multiple drownings in open water during the heatwave, highlighting the dangers associated with extreme temperatures.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
