Oubreaks of huge heath fires in England, Scotland and Ireland were a reminder that the recent hot spell has a downside to it. Hundreds of firemen have been called into action as infernos raged from woods near Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire to the highlands of Scotland and Ireland.
The fires have thrived on bone-dry wood and foliage - and forecasters say there won't be any rain to ease the situation for another 24 hours.
The massive forest blaze near Broadmoor top-security psychiatric hospital saw around 100 firemen in action.
Fierce flames were whipped up by strong winds as two separate blazes took hold - one a mile square.
Roads were closed and hundreds of residents were advised to keep their windows closed because of the dense choking smoke.
The blaze was just half a mile from Broadmoor Hospital which is surrounded by woodland in Crowthorne, Berkshire. It was being tackled by firefighters from Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey, using at least 12 appliances.
It was believed the fire started at saw mill in Swinley, Ascot, last week and travelled underground through peat, emerging in two places in Swinley Forest this yesterday afternoon.
Crews remained at the scene near Woodlands Ride, South Ascot, where the flames were now under control.
A spokesman for the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the second fire had been contained in an area measuring 300m by 300m surrounded by tracks. Read More
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