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Latest revision as of 03:04, 15 December 2022
Britain recorded its hottest day on record last Tuesday, sparking a series of wildfires across the UK.
Firefighters in described the blazes tearing through homes and buildings as 'absolute hell' after receiving 1,600 calls for assistance.
They warned the public that wildfires are likely to break out every three years, and that the destruction of homes should be a 'wake-up call' to the country.
Global are urging countries to reach their net-zero targets and halt .
This is to be the leading cause of the recent spate of wildfires, as rising temperatures evaporate more moisture from the ground, drying out the soil and making vegetation more flammable if sparked.
Meanwhile, scientists and engineers have developed a range of new technologies that can help predict and tackle these devastating blazes.
These include computer models that plot potential fire paths, water-dropping drones and autonomous robots that can detect fire sources and spray water.
MailOnline asked Professor Stefan Doerr, a professor of wildland fire science at Swansea University, whether any of these technologies could be implemented in the UK.
He revealed that while wildfires are more difficult to predict here, as they are largely ignited by humans, there is more that can be done to prevent them.
Scientists and engineers have also developed a range of new technologies that can help predict and tackle these devastating blazes.
This includes computer models that plot potential fire paths, water-dropping drones and autonomous robots that can detect fire sources and spray water (stock image)
Britain recorded its hottest day on record last Tuesday, sparking a series of wildfires across the UK.
Around 15 fire engines and 100 firefighters alone dealt with a vicious blaze in the Essex village of Wennington that destroyed two houses (pictured)
Wildfire expert Professor Stefan Doerr said that Fire and Rescue Services should be trained how to tackle wildfires specifically to help the UK prepare for future blazes (stock image)
Why do we need to prevent wildfires in the UK?
Last week wildfires started all across southern Europe including in , , and the UK.
The London Fire Brigade declared a 'major incident' in response to a huge surge in fires across the capital, and recorded its busiest day since the Second World War.
Researchers have warned that 104°F (40°C) temperatures won't be out of the ordinary within the next three decades, and .
Wildfires are likely to come with them, and pose a major threat to life as well as buildings and infrastructure.
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Professor Doerr said: 'Vegetation fires destroy crops, lead to loss of carbon stored in the soil and peatlands, the loss of vegetation can promote erosion and landslides during heavy rains, and the ash from wildfires can contaminate rivers and drinking water reservoirs.
'Where fires are natural part of the ecosystem, for example in western USA, southeast Australia and African savannas, they maintain ecosystem diversity unless they are too frequent, too large or too severe.
'Elsewhere they may also have some benefits by generating ecological niches, but are generally detrimental to the environment.
'Their effects on wildlife and fauna may last from a few months to many years.'
The wildland fire science expert also predicted which areas of the UK will have the highest risk of wildfires.
He said: 'From a climate perspective the south east is more affected as that is where it is warmest and driest.
'But from a vegetation perspective, the heathlands and grasslands of Wales and Scotland are most at risk due to their extensive nature.'
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Wildfires pose a major threat to human life and wildlife as well as buildings and infrastructure.
They are set to become a more regular occurrence as the climate continues to change. Pictured is wildfire damage at Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Temperatures hit an unprecedented 40.2°C (104.4°F) at London Heathrow Airport at 12.50pm on July 19 2022- Britain's hottest day in recorded history
What technologies are available?
1.
Artificial intelligence technologies
A common problem with wildfires is that, by the time they have been detected, they have already spread widely and are causing significant destruction.
Some companies are developing artificial turf around swimming pools intelligence (AI) tools that can spot blazes at their very early stages using satellite images.
US-based and