Hot Summer Sees Fire Incidents Rise By More Than A Third Across Hampshire And Isle Of Wight

A surge in outdoor fires during the hot summer of 2025 led to a significant rise in incidents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, according to new figures presented to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority.

Between April and September 2025, fire incidents increased by around 36% compared to the same period the previous year.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said the spike was largely driven by a doubling in outdoor fires during the prolonged dry weather, making it the service’s busiest summer since 2022.

The findings were revealed in the service’s Annual Performance Report (Mid-Year Update), which also warned that climate change is expected to increase both the frequency and severity of wildfires in future years.

Average response times to critical incidents — those that pose a risk to life or property — also rose slightly to nine minutes and 57 seconds, up six seconds on the previous year.

County councillor Fran Carpenter told the authority she was concerned by the “creepingly long” response time, despite the small increase.

She also asked how robustly call handling issues were being addressed and what prevention measures were being stepped up ahead of future summers.

James Lucy, assistant director of community safety at HIWFRS, said work was ongoing to ensure resources were placed where they were most needed, acknowledging that recent reductions in frontline staffing had affected resilience.

He said the changing climate was already having an impact, with colder winters and hotter, drier summers contributing to rising incident numbers.

Mr Lucy highlighted the success of the service’s Safe and Well and Home Fire Safety visits in supporting the most vulnerable residents, and said the fire service would continue working with partner agencies to help reduce risks linked to wildfires and flooding moving forward.