2 weeks ago
Drought and heat fuel wildfires as UK firefighters face pressure
In England, it has been very hot and very dry for many weeks, which is called a drought.
Because the ground is so dry, grass and fields can catch fire very easily, like paper.
Big fires called wildfires started in several places, and one big fire spread through a town called Stourbridge.
The fire burned fields and even some homes, so people had to leave to stay safe.
Some people breathed in smoke and needed help, and three firefighters were hurt and had to go to hospital.
Firefighters worked very hard for many hours to stop the fire from spreading.
The leader of the fire chiefs said they were under a lot of pressure and that climate change is making fires happen more often.
They also said some of the fires were started on purpose, which made things worse.
Fire chiefs are asking the government for more support so they can keep up with the growing danger.
UK firefighters battled multiple wildfires amid soaring temperatures and drought, with NFCC head Phil Garrigan saying fire services were under "significant pressure."
A fast-spreading fire in Stourbridge, central England, on Thursday — the UK's hottest day of the year so far — forced evacuations and left people needing treatment for smoke inhalation.
Three firefighters were hospitalised while fighting the blaze southwest of Birmingham, and at least six properties were affected, with some homes burnt out.
The West Midlands and nearly three-quarters of England were in drought after weeks of high temperatures and little rainfall.
Fire chiefs warned investment was falling short, said some blazes were deliberately set in grasslands, and urged the government to increase support as climate change fuels bigger, more frequent wildfires.
- Who
- UK firefighters, including West Midlands Fire Service crews led by chief fire officer Simon Tuhill, and NFCC head Phil Garrigan, who said services were under significant pressure.
- What
- Multiple wildfires broke out amid drought, soaring temperatures and "tinder dry" conditions, forcing evacuations, damaging at least six properties and burning homes and fields in Stourbridge.
- Where
- Stourbridge in the West Midlands, central England, southwest of Birmingham; drought affected the West Midlands and nearly three-quarters of England.
- When
- Thursday, the UK's hottest day of the year so far, with officials continuing to comment on Friday.
- Why
- Weeks of high temperatures and little rainfall created drought and "tinder dry" conditions, some blazes were set deliberately, and fire chiefs said climate change is increasing fire risk.
Key facts
- Affected town
- Stourbridge, West Midlands, central England
- Firefighters hospitalised
- 3
- Properties affected
- At least 6
- Heat milestone
- Thursday was the UK's hottest day of the year so far
- Drought extent
- West Midlands and nearly three-quarters of England
- Key figures
- Phil Garrigan (NFCC head), Simon Tuhill (West Midlands chief fire officer)
- Fire causes
- "Tinder dry" conditions and some deliberately set blazes
- Key call
- Fire chiefs urge greater government investment to keep pace with wildfire risk
Quotes
Phil Garrigan
Head of the National Fire Chiefs Council
““It’s been a particularly difficult, busy period for the fire and rescue service, where we’ve been under significant pressure.””
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““This has been one of the most significant incidents that West Midlands Fire Service has ever attended.””
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