With wildfire alerts remaining in place, town and cities across the UK are facing a growing threat from an emerging phenomenon called 'firewaves' as the heatwave continues09:09, 16 Jul 2026With dozens of wildfires burning across the UK over the past few days as a third heatwave continues to grip, experts warn a worrying phenomonon called a "firewave" has been created.‌Brits have been told that the chances of wildfire ignition have "never been so high" and with high temperatures not due to end any time soon, an "exceptional" wildfire risk has been declared across parts of the UK. A red alert remains in place southern England, the Midlands and part of the north.‌Now, a warning for a 'firewave' - an event that happens when multiple wildfires occur in urban areas - has also now been issued. Wildfires continue to burn in parts of the UK as firefighters face "extreme pressure" to battle the flames.‌Sadiq Khan has even urged Londoners to create firebreaks to protect their homes with the Mayor of London forced into an alarming alert after a blaze swept through 30 gardens and damaged properties in Walthamstow. Major incidents wer declared in Conwy, north Wales, and in Glossop, Derbyshire, on Sunday.Firefighters were also called in Hampshire, Durham, West Sussex, East Sussex, Devon and Somerset. From 6 July to Monday, data from the National Fire Chiefs Council showed that fire and rescue services in England and Wales responded to 342 wildfires.‌On the risk of a firewave, Joe McNorton, scientist at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, said: "Across the UK we are seeing a combination of hot, dry weather and vegetation that has become increasingly combustible after a prolonged period without significant rainfall."He told Sky News that the conditions "even in the UK, where large wildfires are relatively uncommon... can allow fires to spread quickly through grass, heath and moorland once they start"."Importantly, wildfire risk has a memory, and it can take weeks or even months of warm, dry conditions to remove moisture from vegetation and create a landscape that is ready to burn."‌Garth Smith, head of resilience at the British Red Cross, said: “Wildfires spread with devastating speed, destroying homes, habitats and lives. Hot weather and little to no rain have made it easier for grass and wildfires to spread quickly.“Many people in the UK will be following the news to keep informed of the latest risks in their area, but we also want people to feel confident to act themselves. If you live in a high-risk area, know your escape routes, follow local alerts and keep your property clear of flammable materials.Article continues below“We know the country is getting hotter, and heatwaves and wildfires will be an increasing reality here in the UK. Taking a few minutes now to learn the risks could save lives later.”The warning comes as 13 people died with dozens still missing in one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires on record. Several victims were found inside burnt-out vehicles and were thought to have died while trying to flee the flames. It is feared four Brits are amongst the dead.