Emergency services have declared a major incident after a large fire tore through a residential area in Salford Priors, Stratford-on-Avon, with several homes reportedly engulfed by flames.
Around 60 firefighters are understood to be battling the blaze, which has sent thick clouds of black smoke across the area.
Videos shared online appeared to show people moving through smoke-filled streets as the fire spread across properties close to a golf course in Stourbridge.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has urged people living nearby to keep their doors and windows shut because of the heavy smoke.
Smoke Reported Across Nearby Areas
The incident came after residents in areas around Evesham and Lower Howsell, Malvern, reported seeing smoke rising from nearby fields earlier in the day.
Emergency crews have been responding to a series of fires across parts of Britain as the country experiences exceptionally hot and dry conditions.
Tamworth Blaze Sends Woman to Hospital
A separate fire in Tamworth, Staffordshire, caused widespread damage after flames raced through at least six gardens, destroying sheds and hedges.
One woman was taken to hospital after suffering burns.
Her injuries are understood not to be life-threatening or life-changing.
The fire broke out on Thursday morning, with witnesses describing flames that appeared to reach around 50 feet as they spread rapidly through back gardens.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the cause had not yet been established and that an investigation was underway.
Resident Describes Terrifying Escape
Kirsty Harper, 39, who operates a dog day-care business from her home, said she first became aware of the fire when smoke began drifting across her garden.
She said she saw a neighbour shouting that a shed was on fire before she and another resident began warning elderly people living nearby.
Harper then went to a property whose garden was directly affected by the flames and alerted the occupants, who had reportedly been unaware of what was happening because they were painting inside their home.
She later rushed to her mother’s nearby property to evacuate her dogs while the fire continued spreading.
Within minutes, her mother’s garden was also engulfed, with two sheds destroyed.
Harper’s partner, Richard, described the flames as being roughly twice the height of their two-storey house.
Fires Spread Amid Extreme Heat
The incidents occurred as Britain experienced one of its hottest days on record, with temperatures reaching 38C (100F) in parts of Norfolk.
The Met Office extended a rare amber warning for extreme heat, with the alert covering a prolonged period as authorities warned people to take precautions during the exceptionally hot conditions.
Grass Fire Closes Roads in South London
Firefighters were also called to Commonside East in Mitcham, south London, where a grass fire was reported to have spread across approximately one hectare.
Around 60 firefighters attended the incident, with nearby roads closed while crews worked to bring the flames under control.
The fire was reported to be under control by 2.51pm, although diverted bus routes and traffic congestion affected the surrounding area.
London Fire Brigade warned people enjoying the hot weather against taking disposable barbecues into parks or open spaces, stressing that they can remain hot for hours after people believe they have been extinguished.
The brigade also urged smokers to dispose of cigarettes safely and advised people to take rubbish home when appropriate bins are unavailable.
Welsh Village Hit by Devastating Fire
The latest fires came just hours after a suspected wildfire caused extensive destruction in Newbridge, South Wales.
Residents of six bungalows were forced to evacuate after flames broke out near fields behind homes in Pantside and rapidly spread towards properties.
Around 20 people were evacuated and spent the night at a leisure centre or in hotel accommodation. At least five homes were reportedly destroyed, while vehicles and other property were also damaged.
Residents Recall Sudden Evacuation
Julie Nicholls, 74, said she had been inside her home when she heard the noise of the fire and saw flames nearby.
She was subsequently ordered to leave by police and joined other displaced residents at a leisure centre.
She described the experience as frightening, particularly for families who had lost their homes.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it received the emergency call at around 4pm on Wednesday and deployed 12 fire appliances, two water bowsers and an aerial ladder platform.
Residents were also told to keep windows and doors closed because of smoke from the fire.
Community Rallies Around Displaced Families
The destruction has prompted an outpouring of support from residents and local organisations.
Newbridge RFC said it was heartbroken by the devastation and offered its clubhouse as a place where affected residents could access hot and cold drinks, showers and changing facilities.
A fundraising campaign has also been launched to support families affected by the fire, with more than £2,000 raised so far.
Local councillor Gary Johnson described the destruction as heartbreaking and said the community would support those who had lost their homes.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the causes of the separate fires as firefighters respond to the heightened risk created by the extreme heat and dry conditions.
