Expert comment: How do wildfires affect health and what can be done about it?

AI Summary

Deadly wildfires have affected areas across Europe, the U.S., and Canada, with significant drought conditions in the UK. This has led to health concerns and discussions on mitigating wildfire impacts.

For people living in the northern hemisphere, this summer has been beset by deadly wildfires across parts of Europe, the U.S. and Canada. In the U.K., more than 21,000 hectares (52,000 acres) had already burned by late July 2026 across 66 fires larger than 30 hectares (74 acres), while England and Wales recorded their driest July in nearly two centuries and many areas moved into official drought.