Hampshire records more number of wildfires in 2026 than the last three years combined
In 2026 there were 61 recorded wildfires, 24 of which covering over 10,000m²
New statistics say in 2026, there were more wildfires across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, than the previous three years combined
New data showed there were 61 wildfires across the region, 24 of which covering over 10,000m²
This included the New Forest fire which destroyed over 247 acres of land
It's combined with the hottest summer on record, however we're being told it's not just climate change causing the fires
Wildfire numbers in Hampshire and Isle of Wight over last 4 years
- 2023: 13
- 2024: 6
- 2025: 39
- 2026: 61
2026 also saw the highest number since records began
Kezia Robinson is a Fire Prevention Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire and rescue
"Each year we've been responding to more large outdoor fires and there's a number of factors that we believe are impacting this that range from arson, bonfires, barbecues and smoking materials but also the extreme weather."
Kezia adds what the service believe to be the most effective method at tackling the problem
"The best way to tackle these incidents is preventing them in the first place.
So we've been working closely with our communities to get safety messaging across to people about how to avoid outdoor fires causing them and what they should do if they come across one."
With concerns over climate change worsening, Kezia tells us how the service are adapting
"Been lot of investment in PPE, equipment and vehicles to support our firefighters while we're out there and we have also taken part in international trips to look at how other nations and other places are preventing and dealing with wildfires.