Firefighters across the UK are tackling several blazes after non-stop heatwaves, with a major incident declared at a Welsh beauty spot.
Large parts of the country are parched after being gripped by the June and July hot spells, creating optimal conditions for dangerous wildfires.
Crews from Wales and the North West of England to London and the South East coast face tough conditions and dwindling water supplies.
Dave Swallow, the National Fire Chief’s Council’s wildfire tactical advisor, said 19 wildfires are being fought in England and Wales.
He told Sky News strong winds and dry conditions for weeks are making the efforts extra challenging.
Flames could be putting homes at risk in North Wales, where people were told to leave their houses as crews are trying to block the blaze from spreading near Sychant Pass, Conwy Mountain.
On Friday, crews in Essex put out a blaze with ‘limited water supplies’ at a rural industrial site, while crews in east London rushed to curb a grass fire in Hornchurch Country Park, east London.
Fires broke out at Devil’s Dyke in South Downs National Park in West Sussex, and near Eastbourne Downs Golf Club on Saturday, followed by a fire the size of 14 football pitches breaking out in the field in High Shincliffe, County Durham.
A blaze continues to burn through the moors around Dovestone in Oldham, Greater Manchester, where crews are still dampening hotspots today.
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Videos shared on social media have emerged showing young people shooting fireworks on the dry moors before the wildfire on Saturday, the MEN reports.
UK’s fire risk level has been upgraded to very high in most parts of England,and by Thursday, it is set to jump to the highest ‘exceptional’ category set by Natural England.
The heatwave is set to continue this week as the scorching front moves west, while eastern parts of the UK will see a welcome drop in temperatures.
Walthamstow fire under investigation
In east London, hundreds of people were evacuated after a fire tore through a house and railway embankment in Walthamstow, sparking a huge emergency response as thick smoke billowed into the air.
Flames ripped through one home, several garden sheds and the embankment near Wood Street station, with thick smoke visible for miles across the capital.
At the height of the fire, 20 fire engines and around 125 firefighters were brought in to tackle the flames, which threatened to spread to more homes along the railway tracks.
Locals were told to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke.
No injuries have been reported, the London Fire Brigade said.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, local MP Stella Creasy said there had been an ‘electrical fire on the train line.’
Locals have speculated on social media that the fire was caused by a tree which had fallen on the overhead railway line.
People and businesses rushed to help the evacuees, and emergency shelters were set up quickly before people were allowed to return home.
Residents on nearby streets which hadn’t been affected gave water to the people forced to flee, one local said.
Travel disruption on Weaver line after Walthamstow fire
While the fire was brought under control by 10.30pm yesterday, travel disruption on the route continues all day today.
The Weaver line is suspended between Chingford and Hackney Downs while engineers carry out urgent repairs to the damaged track, the latest TfL status update says.
Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall from LFB said: ‘This was a significant incident affecting the community this evening. I am thankful that no injuries have been sustained.
‘One house was alight, and a second home has suffered damage to a rear extension. The gardens of around 30 properties have also unfortunately been affected by the fire. However, crews worked extremely hard to prevent the fire from spreading to further homes.
‘A railway embankment was also alight and this has caused disruption to the Weaver London Overground line. We have worked closely with Transport for London and the British Transport Police to support passengers on stopped trains. All passengers have now left the railway.
‘The Brigade will retain a significant presence on the scene through the night, working to fully extinguish the fire.’
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