2 weeks ago

Drought and heat fuel wildfires as UK firefighters face pressure

Drought and heat fuel wildfires as UK firefighters face pressure
Drought and heat fuel wildfires as UK firefighters face pressure · easterneye.biz

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.

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.””
easterneye.biz
““This has been one of the most significant incidents that West Midlands Fire Service has ever attended.””
easterneye.biz

Sources

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