After Warmest April Ever, Thousands Of Fires Burning Across Northern British Isles - Independent

[hatrack]

Thousands of heathland fires raged across swathes of the UK yesterday, as the record-breaking dry spell continued. Strong winds and very little rainfall hampered the efforts of firefighters and emergency workers, as Prime Minister David Cameron praised their work.

The hottest April on record, which saw only 21% of the expected rainfall in England and Wales, has caused vast areas of parched, tinder-dry land to go up in flames. It is believed most of the fires, which have caused widespread damage to scenic beauty spots and conservation areas, were started deliberately.

Much-needed rain has started to fall in Ireland, but it will not drift into Scotland and England until later this week, forecasters said, and steady winds are unlikely to die down.

In the worst-affected regions helicopters were brought in to drop water as hundreds of firefighters are tackling the fires on the ground. Crews in Northern Ireland have fought more than 1,000 gorse and forest fires in the past four days, in what chiefs said was the busiest time in 30 years. Around 200 personnel have battled 255 fires in 31 locations since Tuesday, according to the province's deputy chief fire officer Chris Kerr.

EDIT

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/heathland-blazes-rage-on-across-britain-2279238.html

[northoftheborder]

1. Unprecedented drought for these lands?