Wildfires spread across England as temperatures hit 38.1C

Firefighters battled multiple wildfires across central England on August 13 as the UK recorded its hottest day of the year amid an intense heatwave affecting much of Europe.

Several homes were destroyed by fires in the West Midlands, where the blaze was described as “one of the most significant” incidents the region’s fire service has ever dealt with, chief fire officer Simon Tuhill said, the Associated Press reports.

A child and three firefighters were taken to hospital following a wildfire in Stourbridge. The cause of the fires has not yet been determined, and authorities said it could take several days to bring them under control.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker described the situation as “multiple fires across our region” and an “extremely worrying and fast-moving situation.”

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been briefed on the fires and has pledged to provide fire and rescue services in the West Midlands with any additional resources they require, according to Parker.

The fires erupted as temperatures reached 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in west London, 0.1C above the previous 2026 high recorded on June 28.

The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the year, with the first recorded in May. The latest spell has brought four days this year with temperatures reaching at least 36C, a record for the country.

The UK has also matched 2022 with two days reaching 38C this year, according to the available data.

By Sabina Mammadli