Wildfires blaze as parched UK’s turning drier than the Sahara
WILDFIRES have broken out across the country as high temperatures, low rainfall and dry vegetation provide “all the ingredients for blazes to spread”.
The fire alert comes as farmers fear crops are starting to wilt while water companies urge against wasting water amid fears of a hosepipe ban.
Firefighters in Surrey have tackled a 20-hectare blaze at Thursley Common, near Farnham, in the driest May since records began in 1896.
Residents from 14 homes nearby were evacuated.
Crews in Lancashire and Scotland have also fought “significant” fires.
The National Farmers’ Union said: “Continued low rainfall and high temperatures will result in widespread impacts for agriculture. The situation is becoming serious.”
A South East Water spokesman said demand had “skyrocketed”. He said: “We’re asking everyone to help by not watering lawns and only using dishwashers and washing machines on full loads.”
The average May rainfall over the last 30 years in England has been 69.8mm – but this year it is 9.7mm.
The average temperature in England for May over 30 years has been 60.4F, but last month it was 64F.
Britain’s driest place – Boulmer in Northumberland – has seen just 15mm since mid-March and some parts of the country have been drier than the Sahara.
The drought means people can walk across an ancient packhorse bridge at Grassholme Reservoir in Lunedale, Co Durham, which is normally submerged.