Fire Spreads to Homes as Extreme Heat Hits England

At least six homes caught fire Thursday in Stourbridge in England’s West Midlands as firefighters battled a large grass fire near a golf course amid exceptionally high temperatures across the country.

Around 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines were deployed to contain the blaze, according to British media. The West Midlands Fire Service said two people had been affected by heat and smoke, although no further details were immediately available.

The fire service warned residents to take precautions as emergency services faced what it described as “extreme levels of demand.” Authorities urged people across the region to avoid activities that could trigger outdoor fires and to take measures to protect themselves from the heat.

The incident occurred as temperatures climbed to around 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) in parts of the UK. The country’s weather agency issued an amber extreme heat warning, reflecting the potentially dangerous conditions.

The heatwave comes amid worsening drought conditions. More than two-thirds of England has officially been classified as being in drought following the country’s driest July since records began in 1836.

Around 45 million people are estimated to live in drought-affected parts of England, while more than 27 million face restrictions on water use.

The prolonged heat is also raising concerns over public health. The UK Health Security Agency reported last month that 2,877 excess deaths occurred during heatwaves in May and June, almost twice the 1,504 excess deaths recorded during the summer of 2025.

Officials continue to urge the public to remain cautious as extreme temperatures, dry conditions and increased wildfire risks place additional pressure on emergency and public services.
NEWS DESK 
PRESS UPDATE