DoomsdaysCWHot, dry summers bring new '#firewave' risk to #UK cities, scientists warn
Prof Guillermo Rein: "I worry about all other UK cities and other northern #European cities in particular because #ClimateChange seems to be making green vegetation that was not flammable very flammable indeed."
by Justin Rowlatt, 8/13/2025
"Cities across the UK are facing a growing threat from an emerging phenomenon called 'firewaves' as temperatures rise due to climate change, scientists have warned.
"The term, coined by researchers at Imperial College London, describes multiple urban wildfires triggered by extended periods of hot, dry weather.
"The warning comes as firefighters battled three separate heath fires in London and a dramatic gorse blaze on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh in recent days, as this summer's latest heatwave left vegetation across both capitals dangerously dry.
"These fires, though now contained, highlight the increasing vulnerability of urban areas to wildfires - a risk that was once considered largely rural.
"Guillermo Rein, professor of fire science at Imperial College London, has been working alongside the London Fire Brigade to help predict when conditions are ripe for a 'firewave'.
"Based on current forecasts, he believes London could be at risk again by this weekend.
"London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall said he welcomes any research that helps predict the likelihood of #wildfires occurring.
"The service is 'ready to tackle the threat of wildfires head-on to help protect London's communities and green spaces', he added."
Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vd79x97zlo
#EuropeanWildfires #UKWildfires #ClimateCrisis #ClimateCatastrophe #GlobalBurning
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