Heat summary - Chapter 10: wildfires and health
This page summarises Chapter 10 of the Health Effects of Climate Change (HECC) report with a focus on the impact of heat on wildfires and health. This is part of the science and stats section for the hazard: heat.
Applies to England
CCHS navigation menu:
CCHS homepage
Topic: climate-related hazards
Hazard: all climate-related hazards, heat
Part of: heat summary - full HECC report
Key resources for HECC Chapter 10:
- Heat summary - Chapter 10: wildfires and health
- Chapter 10 full report (pdf)
Heat summary of Chapter 10
Hotter and drier summers, projected as part of climate change, create ideal conditions for wildfires. A 2°C increase in global temperatures could double the days in the UK with very high fire danger and extend the wildfire season into late summer and autumn. This was evidenced by the unprecedented number of wildfires during the UK’s heatwave in the summer of 2022, particularly in urban areas like London.
Wildfires pose multiple health risks, including injuries, respiratory and cardiovascular effects from smoke exposure, and mental health issues. Smoke from wildfires can degrade air quality significantly, leading to increased air pollution-related mortality.
Wildfires may coincide with other extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts, creating complex health challenges. These events may increase demands upon health and care services.
The likelihood of larger, more severe wildfires is expected to grow with climate change. This includes not only rural but also urban areas that are not traditionally prone to such events, increasing the risk to public health.
Climate adaptation strategies should consider how to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfires. This includes considering compound impacts from simultaneous extreme weather events and improving public awareness of the risks associated with wildfires.