Firefighters feel the heat as dry weather brings rise in wildfires
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A fire brigade chief claims wildfires are becoming more common earlier in the year in the UK, as services across the country fight to control blazes.
On Tuesday, wildfires threatened homes in South Wales, where residents used hosepipes to protect their properties, while in Surrey, 40 firefighters tackled a blaze at the historic Brookwood Cemetery. Fires were also reported on moorland in west and north Yorkshire. Alan Clark, fire service area manager for Surrey, said they were becoming increasingly common with the UK's dryer winters and warmer springs.
He said: "These fires can start easily. It only takes a dropped cigarette, a glass bottle or even a car exhaust on dry grass. With a bit of wind a small fire can get out of control in minutes."
A Met Office spokesman said: "Over the past few days we've seen very dry conditions, relatively high temperatures and it's breezy." The dry conditions are likely to persist over the weekend, but temperatures should drop.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments