Why severe wildfires are becoming more frequent in the UK and how to cope with the health risks 

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Aerial view of a residential street bordered by dense vegetation, with two fire engines and an emergency vehicle responding to a wildfire in Kent. Smoke drifts from the vegetation beside the road, while rows of houses line the opposite side and firefighters work near the vehicles.

Wildfires are actually common in the UK, although most are typically small and of short duration. Hot, dry weather can dry out vegetation providing fuel for fires and increase the risk of wildfires. Climate change projections suggest we will see conditions more favourable for larger, more severe wildfires.