A fire spread through at least six gardens, damaging sheds and hedges, in Tamworth, Staffordshire, on Thursday morning, with one woman taken to hospital for burns. The cause of the Tamworth blaze is under investigation, according to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
This incident occurred just hours after a suspected wildfire in Newbridge, South Wales, destroyed six homes and forced the evacuation of approximately 20 residents. These residents spent the night at a leisure center. Locals reported the fire began in a field behind houses and rapidly spread to nearby homes. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service deployed multiple resources, including 12 fire appliances, two water bowsers, and an aerial ladder platform, to combat the Newbridge blaze.
The fires come as Britain experiences one of its hottest days on record, with temperatures expected to reach 38C (100F). The Met Office has extended its rare amber 'extreme heat' warning across a wider area, which was in effect from 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Residents in Newbridge described hearing loud noises and seeing flames before being evacuated. "I felt absolute fear, you know, you don't expect to open your door and see a fire next to you," said Julie Nicholls, 74, who was evacuated from her home. The community has rallied to support those affected, with the Newbridge RFC clubhouse offering hot and cold drinks and shower facilities. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched and has raised over £2,000 for the affected families.
