FIREFIGHTERS in England tackled nearly four times more wildfires this summer than last, a freedom of information request reveals today.

Fire services responded to at least 24,316 wildfires during June, July and August, which is the highest number during that time in at least 10 years, according to the statistics obtained by the PA news agency. 

Some forces battled more than 50 wildfires a day at the height of last summer’s record-breaking temperatures and droughts.