UK firefighters battle huge blaze that tore through homes as residents told to ‘stay away’: Weather latest

A child and three firefighters have been taken to hospital as huge fires tore through homes in the West Midlands, with a local councillor describing the scene as “apocalyptic”.

On the hottest day of the year, with temperatures soaring to 38.1C in Kew Gardens, firefighters were tackling huge fires in the Stourbridge and Stratford-upon-Avon areas.

At Stourbridge golf course, an “extensive grass fire” has spread across roads in places with people urged to stay indoors.

West Midlands Fire Service said that multiple houses were on fire and people had been evacuated from their homes. The organisation said a child and three firefighters were taken to hospital.

Councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town on Dudley Borough Council, described the scene of the fire in Stourbridge as “apocalyptic”.

Meanwhile, in Stratford-upon-Avon a major incident has been declared at the scene of a wildfire. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at 2.30pm to reports of a large plume of smoke on Tothall Lane, Salford Priors.

The Met Office has also issued an amber extreme heat warning for much of England, covering parts of the south and east, as well as swathes of the Midlands.

Union boss 'very concerned' over wildfires

Steve Wright, general secretary of the FBU, said: “We are very concerned to see wildfires raging in Stourbridge, South Wales and elsewhere around the UK.

“Firefighters are bravely tackling every blaze trying to keep the public and all our communities safe.

“Our members are also assisting other emergency services dealing with the derailed train in Lewes.

“It is imperative we increase the resilience of the fire and rescue service, recruit 5,000 more firefighters and provide adequate PPE so our members can tackle these incidents in the safest way possible.”

Alex Ross13 August 2026 20:00

'It’s shocking’: Readers slam water firms over leaks amid drought crisis

England is enduring its fifth heatwave of the summer, with almost three-quarters of the country now in drought but for many Independent readers, the real story isn’t the weather – it’s what’s happening underground.

As hosepipe bans spread to 27 million households, readers have been sharing their own run-ins with the water companies now asking them to cut back: mains leaks left unfixed for years, reservoirs drained while dividends flow abroad, and infrastructure that hasn’t kept pace with the climate crisis.

Others pointed out that Portugal and France, both hotter and drier this summer, have avoided restrictions altogether by investing in dams and hydro power years ago.

Here’s what you had to say:

Nicole Wootton-Cane13 August 2026 20:00

'I'm concerned for the families' - fire chief

On the fire in Stourbridge, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said in a statement: “There is an extremely worrying and fast moving situation with multiple fires across our region.

“I’m concerned for the families being asked to evacuate their homes and those whose journeys have been delayed or cancelled – but safety must come first.

“I am being kept up to date by the emergency services and the teams at Network Rail and TfWM (Transport for West Midlands) – and I’d urge people to avoid the area and those in the town to follow the advice of police and firefighters on the ground.

“Our emergency services are doing an amazing job in extreme circumstances and we will continue to give them our full support.”

Alex Ross13 August 2026 19:41

Mapped: The wildfires scorching the UK during summer of record heatwaves

Firefighters have been battling a major blaze in the New Forest for days as dry and blistering heatwave conditions hamper efforts to contain the inferno.

A fire, spreading across more than 1.6 square kilometres of land, started on 9 August and crews say they expect to stay “for several more days” as they contend with water supply issues and volatile wind conditions, amid a near-nationwide drought.

The ongoing blaze in the New Forest is just one of many wildfires that have broken out across the country this year during what is on course to be the hottest summer on record.

Nicole Wootton-Cane13 August 2026 19:30

Stourbridge fire in pictures

Alex Ross13 August 2026 19:06

Six houses impacted by fire in Stourbridge, two casualties

Huge fires have started tearing through homes in the West Midlands after dramatic footage circulating online showed enormous flames coming from buildings and a golf course.

West Midlands Fire Service said it was facing “extreme levels of demand” due to a fire in Stourbridge on Thursday – with two casualties affected by heat and smoke.

The “extensive grass fire” follows scorching temperatures across the region and other parts of the UK.

The fire service said six houses are affected by the blaze and the incident is estimated to involve about 40 acres of land, including a wood.

Care home residents have also been evacuated alongside others as a result of the fire, Wollaston & Stourbridge Town councillor Andrew Southall said.

Around 60 firefighters attended the scene near Stourbridge golf course after being alerted to the blaze at around 1.30pm.

Footage circulating on social media showed multiple buildings on fire and huge plumes of smoke coming from a nearby field.

Alex Ross13 August 2026 19:04

Major incident declared at fire in Stratford

Police, fire crews and ambulances are at the scene of a wildfire in Warwickshire, which has been declared a major incident.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a large plume of smoke on Tothall Lane, Salford Priors in Stratford-on-Avon.

“On arrival crews discovered a wildfire which was spreading to nearby out-buildings,” they said.

“There are currently 10 appliances in attendance. This incident has been declared a major incident.

“We would like to express that there is a large emergency presence in the area and we continue to advise residents nearby to close all doors and windows.

“Please stay away from the area. Our control room is receiving a large number of calls, so please contact us only in a genuine emergency.

“It’s imperative that residents take all steps to reduce any fire risk. Please read advice on our social media channels about fire and water safety.

“West Midlands Ambulance Service and Warwickshire Police are also on scene.”

Alex Ross13 August 2026 19:01

Fragile ‘Excalibur’ sword found in lake after water levels drop amid heatwave

An ‘Excalibur’-esque sword has been discovered poking out of a castle lake after scorching weather caused water levels to drop.

The blade, which was found by volunteers in the lake at Chiddingstone Castle, Kent, resembles the renowned magical sword featured in the legend of King Arthur.

Castle curator Naomi Collick said that it might be a Victorian bandsman's sword dating back to the early 1800s.

You can read more below:

Nicole Wootton-Cane13 August 2026 19:00

Recap: Heatwaves causing nurses to have seizures as hospital temperatures top 30C

Nurses are collapsing on shift while treating patients in conditions exceeding 30C, the Royal College of Nursing has warned.

With the UK on track for its warmest summer on record, nursing staff have suffered seizures and described “dripping with sweat from head to toe” while working.

Concerns have also been raised over patient welfare, with some hospitals described as “unbearably hot” and “not fit for humans”.

You can read more below:

Nicole Wootton-Cane13 August 2026 18:30

In pictures: People struggle in extreme heat in London