Warning of wildfire risk as dry weather continues

Wildfires can take hold quickly, devastate farmland and threaten lives

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is warning of the risk of wildfires, as the warm and dry weather continues.

The service is launching a new online warning system, in partnership with Natural England.

Farmers in the county have already warned they face reduced yields because of the extended dry spell, with the UK on track for its driest spring on record.

KRFS said it had already attended three wildfires in 2025.

Phillip Rice, group manager at KFRS, said: "Wildfires can devastate communities, wildlife, and our countryside - and the majority start accidentally.

"Staying aware of fire severity levels and taking simple preventative steps, means everyone can play a crucial part in protecting our county from serious fires this summer."

The Met Office provides a fire severity index, which KFRS shares on its online page.

The warnings will be shared by KFRS when they reach high.

It said anyone discovering a wildfire should evacuate to a safe distance immediately and ring 999, and should not try to tackle it themselves.