England sees surge in deliberate fires amid heatwave

In Stoke‑on‑Trent, fire crews responded to 76 deliberate blazes over a 17‑day period, averaging four fires a day in July as a prolonged hot, dry spell persisted. Fire service head Nick Jones warned parents, saying “we are experiencing extremely high demand … what can start out as a bit of fun can have devastating consequences”.

In Greater Manchester, crews have been battling large moorland fires near Dovestone Reservoir and Swineshaw since July 11. The service appealed for the public to avoid lighting barbecues, stating “people must stay away from affected moorland areas and must not light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames”. Specialist teams from several regions and helicopter water‑drops were deployed, and a 19‑year‑old woman and a man in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of arson.