In a commentary piece, Matt Ridley discusses the factors behind wildfires in Britain and argues that while hot, dry spells increase the likelihood of fires, the broader global trend does not straightforwardly support claims that wildfires are becoming more frequent as the climate warms. The article acknowledges that weather conditions—particularly high heat and low rainfall—make wildfire outbreaks more likely. However, it contends that when looking across the world, wildfire occurrence appears to be declining rather than increasing, which it says is “awkward” for arguments attributing rising wildfire frequency primarily to climate change. The piece therefore frames wildfire risk as strongly influenced by short-term meteorological conditions, while disputing the idea that warming alone is driving an overall rise in wildfire frequency globally. The outlet presents this as a challenge to climate-focused explanations that emphasize increasing wildfire frequency.