American Marconi Wireless News - UK firefighters 'under pressure' as multiple blazes rage

Images showed scorched fields and burnt out homes in the town of Stourbridge in central England, where residents were evacuated and people treated for smoke inhalation as a fire spread on Thursday, the UK's hottest day of the year so far.

Three firefighters were hospitalised fighting that blaze southwest of Birmingham.

"It's been a particularly difficult, busy period for the fire and rescue service, where we've been under significant pressure," NFCC head Phil Garrigan told BBC Radio 4.

"Firefighters have been on the front line of climate change for a number of years. They're doing their absolute best to protect communities and properties."

The West Midlands region -- where Stourbridge is located -- alongside nearly three-quarters of England was in drought after weeks of high temperatures and scant rainfall, increasing the risk of fires.

West Midlands Fire Service said they were making "progress" on Friday against the blaze which had "several points of origin".

At least six properties were affected by the fires, emergency services said, adding some of the blazes were set deliberately in grasslands before spreading.

"This has been one of the most significant incidents that West Midlands Fire Service has ever attended," chief fire officer Simon Tuhill told a press conference late Thursday.

He blamed the rapid spread on "tinder dry" conditions and said the "devastation is extensive".

So far this summer, firefighters have battled mainly wildfires in rural areas and moorland across the country.

"Awful to see homes and communities hit by fires across the country tonight as the heatwave continues," UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in a statement on X.

Fire chiefs warned investment was falling short and urged the government to boost support to "keep pace" with the growing risks of wildfires.

"The risk is growing faster than our collective capacity to respond. Climate change, prolonged periods of extreme heat and changing land use are creating more frequent, larger and more complex wildfires," the NFCC said.

G.Stevens--AMWN