Wildfires created scenes of destruction across the United Kingdom on Thursday, engulfing homes and forcing residents to flee as the country experienced its hottest day of the year and the fifth hottest on record. Temperatures soared to a blistering 38.1C (100.5F), exacerbating several infernos that spread from grasslands to residential areas.
In Stourbridge, West Midlands, a major incident was declared as six houses were destroyed by a rapidly spreading wildfire. Witnesses described flames jumping from house to house as residents evacuated with what they could carry. The West Midlands Fire Service reported facing extreme levels of demand, with its chief fire officer stating the team had handled thousands of emergency calls. Drone footage showed smoke-filled skies over the town, with the blaze threatening more properties.
One Stourbridge resident told Sky News that "ash has been raining down on the roads for quite a few hours," describing the smoke as "very, very strong." Around 100 firefighters battled the blaze near Stourbridge Golf Course, which consumed 40 acres of land. A child and three firefighters were taken to hospital, and one witness reported seeing a fire engine engulfed by flames.
Similar incidents occurred across the country. In Salford Priors, Stratford-upon-Avon, another major incident was declared due to a large fire. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service advised nearby residents to close windows and doors due to smoke inhalation concerns. Farmers assisted by bringing water bowsers to the scene.
In Birmingham, homes in Castle Vale were badly damaged, with one woman reportedly suffering serious injuries. Images from the scene showed two bungalows completely gutted. Thick smoke from the fires temporarily closed the M6 northbound near Birmingham.
Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service reported evacuations in Sandyford due to house fires, and other fires were reported in Maypole, south Birmingham. In Worcestershire, approximately 200 properties lost power after a blaze in Pershore damaged about six homes. One witness described the fire spreading through homes like a "domino effect."
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service attended 16 emergencies, including a fire at Mousehold Heath. Separately, five homes were destroyed in Caerphilly, South Wales, on Wednesday when a fire spread from a field, leading to an arrest on suspicion of arson.
The extreme heat, with an amber extreme heat warning in effect for the Midlands and southeast England, has intensified concerns about wildfire preparedness. The Fire Brigade Union has previously warned of a shortage of firefighters needed to combat such events, stating that over 1,000 wildfires have already occurred this year, making it the worst on record.