London’s fire and rescue service since 1865
Wildfires in France, Spain, and the UK have intensified amid an approaching heatwave. Authorities warn the crisis could last weeks, with hundreds of thousands evacuated and temperatures set to rise to 40C in parts of Europe. The Prince of Wales has expressed support for affected communities and emergency responders.
Heat warnings cover much of England, with amber alerts in the East Midlands, London, the South East and East England. Yellow alerts remain for Yorkshire, the West Midlands and the South West. Officials warn of health risks, drought and heightened wildfire danger as temperatures rise this week.
More than 300,000 people have been evacuated from France and Spain as intense wildfires have burned record areas and authorities warn of another heatwave. France has seen its worst fires in two decades; Spain has reported its largest blazes near Madrid. UK services have also faced a surge of fires and an amber heat-health alert.
Wildfires across the UK and Europe have intensified amid record heat. Fire services report growing incidents, with disposable barbecues and campfires increasingly blamed for ignitions. Officials warn residents to take extra care and governments consider stronger prevention measures for countryside recreation.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
A teenager has died after entering open water near Millwall Outer Dock in London's Isle of Dogs. Emergency services recovered the body late on Monday; police say the death is unexpected but not suspicious. Officials urge caution around water and remind families to keep children safe near open water.
The UK faces a heat- and drought-driven summer, with wildfires flaring across England and Scotland. The Fire Brigades Union is calling for more equipment and funding, while authorities warn drought and heat will persist, demanding national resilience and clearer emergency planning.
A rising tide of fires at recycling centres, bin lorries, and general waste sites has been linked to lithium batteries and e-cigarette devices. The incidents, driven by improper disposal and faulty batteries, have prompted calls for safer disposal and stricter regulation. BBC Verify and other outlets report dozens of blazes since 2019, with the threat growing in urban areas.
UK fire services report a continued surge in wildfires amid prolonged heatwaves drought and water restrictions. The Stourbridge blaze has destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others while conditions persist across the country with major incidents declared in several regions.
The UK has established a national day to honour victims and survivors of terrorism. The event recognises those affected, including families and first responders, and signals ongoing support and calls for improved access to compensation and legal assistance. Northern Ireland communities are urging local recognition as well.
Fire crews have battled blazes in Stourbridge on 13 August, destroying 19 homes and scorching over 500 acres. Investigations show both fires started accidentally in fields where agricultural machinery was in use. The West Midlands Fire Service says no deliberate ignition has been found, and responders are thanking communities for support as investigations continue.
Nicholas Brandram, 44, a former HSBC private banker and descendant of Queen Victoria, has been found dead at his Chiswick home. He had been arrested in June in connection with the 2017 Putney Bridge incident and was released under investigation. Police say the death is unexpected but not believed to be suspicious. A coroner will review the case.
A fire in a semi‑detached house in Bootle has killed four people inside and another two were injured, as investigations indicate an electrical event related to lithium‑ion batteries used in e‑bikes/e‑scooters. Authorities urge safe battery use and adherence to manufacturer guidance.
Prosecutors have received a full evidence file from the Met on 54 individuals and 20 organisations connected with Grenfell Tower, with charging decisions expected before the 10th anniversary of the disaster in June 2027. The process involves possible corporate manslaughter, health and safety offences, fraud and misconduct in public office, following a nine-year police inquiry that examined tens of thousands of documents and statements.