UK heat record: 38.1C as fire destroys homes, injures six
Part of composite article UK Wildfires: 185 Blazes in 10 Days as Drought Grips England and Fire Crews Warn They're 'Under Significant Pressure' View full article →
Britain recorded its hottest day of the year on Thursday, as a wildfire tore through homes west of Birmingham.
The temperature hit 38.1 degrees Celsius in Kew Gardens, west London, according to official readings.
At the same time, a blaze in Stourbridge, near Birmingham, engulfed several houses. Six people were taken to hospital, including a child and three firefighters.