Scorched grass seen across UK as Scotland asks Burnham government for help over Cairngorms 'major incident' and there are warnings wildfires could spread through southern England

Large parts of the UK are showing visible signs of extreme dry weather, with scorched grass, yellowed fields and cracked ground reported as the country heads toward what is described as its fourth heatwave of the year. The parched conditions are raising concern that wildfire danger could increase further in the days ahead.

In Scotland, the situation in the Cairngorms has been treated as a major incident, with help sought from the government as pressure grows on emergency responders. The combination of high temperatures and dry vegetation is creating conditions in which fires can spread quickly and become harder to control.

Active wildfires are already affecting other parts of Britain. Blazes have been reported in the Rhinogydd mountains in North Wales and in Blaenavon in South Wales, where the fire has affected 220 hectares. Officials are also warning that the same hot, dry pattern could allow wildfires to spread through parts of southern England.

The latest outbreaks highlight how prolonged heat and lack of moisture are leaving landscapes more vulnerable across the UK. With more hot weather expected, attention is turning to whether existing fires can be contained and whether fresh outbreaks could develop in other dry areas.