Nineteen people were hospitalised and 54 treated by paramedics after a fire in the West Midlands, as extreme heat and drought drive wildfires across Europe and force thousands to evacuate in Croatia.
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Key facts
- Nineteen people were taken to hospital after a fire in the West Midlands, with 54 treated by paramedics.
- Homes were damaged in the West Midlands fires.
- Thousands of people were evacuated in Croatia amid ongoing blazes.
- England received just 4mm of rain in August so far, 6% of the long-term average.
- July was the driest on record for England, with only 7mm of rain measured.
Nineteen people were taken to hospital and 54 were treated by paramedics after a fire in the West Midlands, according to the Guardian’s live coverage of wildfires and extreme heat across Europe. Homes were also damaged in the blazes.
The West Midlands incident came as fires continued to spread across the continent amid a spell of extreme heat. In Croatia, thousands of people were evacuated as blazes threatened communities.
The fires in England follow an exceptionally dry period. The Environment Agency said on Friday that England had received just 4mm of rain so far in August, or 6% of the long-term average for the month, as reported by PA.
That shortfall builds on the driest July on record for the country, when only 7mm of rain was measured, or 10% of the average. The prolonged lack of rainfall has left conditions that can allow fires to take hold and spread more easily.
The events in England and Croatia are part of a broader pattern of wildfires affecting multiple European countries during the heat, according to the Guardian, which has been tracking developments across the region.
Authorities in affected areas have been responding to blazes as the extreme heat persists, with emergency services treating those hurt and managing evacuations.
Why it matters
Extreme heat and record-low rainfall are fuelling wildfires that injure people, damage homes and force mass evacuations across Europe. The scale of the drought in England highlights how changing weather conditions are increasing fire risk for communities.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were hurt in the West Midlands fire?
Nineteen people were taken to hospital and a total of 54 were treated by paramedics after the West Midlands fire, according to the Guardian.
How dry has England been recently?
The Environment Agency said England received just 4mm of rain in August so far, 6% of the monthly average, following the driest July on record when only 7mm fell, 10% of the average.
What is happening in Croatia?
Thousands of people were evacuated in Croatia as wildfires continued across Europe amid extreme heat, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- Nineteen people taken to hospital after England fire, as thousands evacuated in Croatia – Europe live
The Guardian World: A total of 54 people were treated by paramedics after West Midlands fire as blazes continue across Europe amid extreme heat People taken to hospital and homes damaged in West Midlands fires England has received just 4mm of rain so far in August, or 6% of the long-term average for