British authorities announced a state of maximum alert in London on Tuesday evening to address the fires, as the country recorded its highest temperature in history amidst concerns over the worsening climate crisis globally. London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the situation resulting from the fires as "critical," urging people to stay safe and noting that firefighters are operating under significant pressure. According to British news network Sky News, hundreds of firefighters have mobilized to control at least ten fires around London.
In one town east of London, several homes were destroyed, while others were severely damaged due to the fires. Aerial photographs captured thick, black smoke clouds over towns adjacent to London, with no reports yet of fatalities. In Leicestershire, the fire authority also declared a state of alert, urging people to contact authorities in case of fire outbreaks. The United Kingdom recorded its hottest day on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 40.2 degrees Celsius at Heathrow Airport and other locations across the country.
