Commentator Matt Ridley argues that Britain’s recent wildfires have been worsened not only by hot, dry weather but also by environmental policies that, in his view, have reduced preventative land management. He says climate change can increase fire risk, but contends it is being used to excuse failures to maintain water supplies and limit combustible vegetation.

Ridley cites Global Wildfire Information System figures showing 106 million hectares burned worldwide so far this year, the lowest comparable total since 2012, and 3.8 million hectares in Europe, below the average for this point in the year. He calls for more reservoirs and greater use of winter controlled burns on heather moorland, arguing these practices can reduce fuel build-up and the severity of later fires.