Multiple fires have broken out in southern England and Wales as an intense heatwave sweeps across the UK.
Parts of London, Kent, Cornwall and Pembrokeshire were ravaged by bushfires as temperatures hit a record 40C in some parts of the country.
Fire officials urged people to take precautions and dispose of rubbish such as cigarettes, matches and glass bottles, which can catch fire quickly and cause extensive damage.
Flames and large plumes of smoke were seen rising over Shirley Hills in Croydon, south London, where the fire service was called to the fire on Oaks Road at around 12.07pm.
Four fire engines, as well as around 25 firemen and women, are currently battling the blaze in one of South London’s largest parks, which is mainly woodland and wasteland.
In Zenor, near St Ives, firefighters are battling a large blaze which started last night (July 18) and has been made worse by the winds.
The fire could be seen from miles away and residents of Cornwall reported smelling fumes from the blaze from afar. One nearby resident said on Twitter: “No more smoke and I can see the fields again. The wind has died down but the sun is back and it’s getting hotter.’
Flames and plumes of smoke can be seen from the fire in Shirley Hills, south London
(BBC News)
In Kent, 12 fire engines attended the blaze in Dartford, which set a number of houses on fire.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging people driving on the A2 and nearby roads to take care due to smoke coming from the incident which could affect visibility.
On Newgale Beach in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales, flames erupted on both Sunday and Monday with drone footage capturing the large plumes of smoke.
Regarding the causes of such fires, a spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: “The recent hot and dry weather has made the ground extremely dry, which unfortunately means that pastures and parks will burn quickly when exposed to even the smallest of sparks.
“Common causes of grass fires include carelessly discarded cigarettes or matches, as well as litter left behind, such as glass bottles, which can ignite flames by increasing the sun’s rays.
Firefighters in Cornwall attend the fire in Zenner
(REUTERS)
“Each of us can help reduce the risk of fire and keep our communities clean, ensure litter is disposed of safely and cigarettes are always disposed of correctly.
“If you see a grass fire, do not try to put it out yourself as grass fires can spread very quickly and change direction without warning. If you see signs of burning grass then call the brigade and let us know where the fire is.
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