Firefighters across the UK remained under heavy pressure on Friday after a wave of wildfires tore through communities during the country’s hottest day of the year, damaging homes, forcing evacuations and sending several people to hospital.
One of the most serious incidents unfolded in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, where a fast-moving grass and woodland fire spread into residential streets near a golf course. Around 100 firefighters were deployed as flames crossed roads and reached homes. Six properties were reported destroyed, while three firefighters and a child were taken to hospital. Several other people were treated for smoke inhalation.
West Midlands Fire Service said crews made progress overnight but warned that emergency teams could remain at the scene for days as they continued to tackle hotspots and secure the affected area. Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill described the blaze as one of the most significant incidents the service had faced, with thousands of emergency calls received as fires broke out across the region.
The pressure extended far beyond Stourbridge. Phil Garrigan, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said 11 major incidents had been declared across the UK, with fires affecting areas including Sandwell, Pershore and Stoke-on-Trent, while separate blazes continued in Hampshire and South Wales.
The outbreak came as temperatures reached 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday, making it the hottest day of 2026 so far. The combination of extreme heat, prolonged dry conditions and strong winds left grassland and vegetation highly vulnerable to fire and allowed some blazes to spread with unusual speed.
Transport and local services were also disrupted. Smoke and fire led to road closures, rail disruption and concerns over water supplies as crews drew heavily on hydrants in affected areas.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised firefighters working in extremely difficult conditions and said the government would support emergency services with additional resources where needed.
With crews still damping down fire sites on Friday, officials urged people to stay away from affected areas and avoid activities that could trigger new fires, including using disposable barbecues or carelessly discarding cigarettes.
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