Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service appeal to the public

As the heatwave returns, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take extra care outdoors after the number of fires in grassland, woodland and other open spaces across the county more than doubled compared to July last year.

Firefighters attended 252 outdoor fires during July 2026, compared to 115 in July 2025, an increase of almost 120 per cent, with many incidents linked to preventable causes.

The Service has attended fires believed to have been caused by discarded smoking materials, disposable barbecues and other careless behaviour. There is also concern about a rise in deliberately started fires, which can put communities, property, wildlife and the environment at risk.