Danger to life extreme wildfires in UK would spark evacuations, warns new report as Los Angeles fires burn
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People would have to be evacuated if Britain is hit by extreme wildfires which could take seven days to bring under control, warns the Government’s new risk report. It raised the alarm about the threat of major blazes sweeping the country as fires continued to burn in Los Angeles, more than a week after they started.
The threat from wildfires, as the planet warms with climate change, has been updated in the Government’s 2025 National Risk Register. It warns of a “reasonable worst-case scenario based on a sustained and widespread extreme wildfire” which could take four to seven days to bring under control by the authorities including hundreds of firefighters.
“Evacuations would be necessary, with a high risk of casualties and/or adverse health impacts,” it stressed. “The wildfire would cause significant disruption or damage to critical infrastructure, transport networks, utilities and the environment.
“Multiple wildfires could take place at the same time as a result of a prolonged period of heat and dry spells.”. Fire brigades in the parts of the country hit by the wildfires would not be able to cope alone and would have to call in firefighters from other parts of Britain.
The report added: “Fire and Rescue services would lead on the response; putting out the fire and emergency evacuation and rescue of residents. “This would include utilisation of national capabilities, for example high-volume pumps for water, and urban search and rescue assets to help move equipment.”.
