'Extreme' risk of wildfires as temperatures set to soar across UK over next few days

Areas of the UK are at an “extreme” over the next several days as vast areas of the country are bone dry - and could ignite easily.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), alongside the Scottish Wildfire Forum, has told the public outdoors amid fears a blaze could burn out of control. The warning, the third of its type so far this year already, comes into effect on Monday, April 7, and will remain in place for five days.

Group commander Garry Douglas, a tactical adviser for SFRS, said: "During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly and burn with high intensity.

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"At this time of year in early spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside. This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.

"There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.

"Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in , so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine.

"By following some simple but key advice, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire occurring."

The SFRS warning comes hours after the by issuing an amber wildfire warning for several parts of Britain. The caution spans most of England, including hotspot areas like London, Dover in Kent, and Wiltshire. It is set to broaden its reach into Northern Ireland and southern today.

In the wake of ongoing balmy conditions, which are predicted to persist this week and see temperatures soar to a peak of 22C on Friday, fire services are on high alert. They are calling on citizens to exercise utmost care in forestalling any outbreak of wildfires.

Kathryn Chalk, a meteorologist at the , said: "With strong winds and ongoing dry/warm this brings a continued likelihood for wildfire conditions through the period. There is currently an amber fire danger rating across England extending into Northern Ireland and the rest of southern Scotland on Wednesday."

“However, showers moving into the far South West will bring some relief to these parts. Then dry weather continues Friday and Saturday extending further north across western Scotland."

London Fire Brigade's assistant commissioner Paul McCourt urged Londoners to enjoy the sunshine responsibly: "We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine but we urge people to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and help prevent a grass fire from starting.

"Recent events in Los Angeles and South Korea have demonstrated how rapidly fires can spread outdoors, even when temperatures are not at their highest."