Researchers at the University of Edinburgh and UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have been tracking wildfire smoke reaching Britain. The study found that large fires anywhere in the northern hemisphere could increase UK air pollution. 0:59 Firefighters in Spain and France battle raging wildfires – videoIn 2019, almost half of the wildfire pollution in the UK originated from fires in Russia. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential Preview latest Enter your email Sign up after newsletter promotionView image in fullscreen Global wildfire smoke is further degrading UK air quality. Wildfire smoke is only part of the problem.