Wildfire alert as Britain bakes in 30C heatwave

BRITAIN faced a new wildfire warning last night amid the fourth heatwave of the sizzling summer.

- By Stephen Beech

With temperatures nudging 30C in London yesterday heat health alerts have been extended for much of England while many areas are still suffering droughts.

A yellow alert is in place for Yorkshire and Humber, the East and West Midlands, London and the South East, South West and East of England until 6pm on Monday.

The new warning came after fire crews in Dorset tackling a major wildfire at Holt Heath were supported by colleagues from as far away as Merseyside, South Wales, and Greater Manchester. They finally left the scene yesterday after six days.

Dave Swallow, of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said 2023 and 2024 had wet summers with a lot of vegetation growth, but this year had been “incredibly dry right through spring and summer”.

Vigilant