Devon and Cornwall on amber wildfire alert as UK bakes in 30C temperatures

Devon and Cornwall have been issued an amber alert for wildfires as the scorching heatwave continues to ravage the UK.

The Met Office has put extreme heat warnings in place for parts of southern England and Northern Ireland, with temperatures expected to reach up to 30C in some areas.

Scorching temperatures for much of UK

Devon and Cornwall Police has said that “most” parts of South West England are on amber wildfire alert, with people warned to avoid outdoor BBQs and burning debris.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said the peak is expected to be on Friday (23 July), with the Fire Severity Index showing high and very high alerts for the majority of Devon and Cornwall.

Temperatures have already reached record-breaking highs this week, climbing to a sweltering 32.2C in London.

The sizzling heat has caused roads to melt and train lines to buckle, and prompted the Met Office to issue its first-ever extreme heat warning.

An amber extreme heat alert is in place for the South East and South West of England, Wales, the West Midlands and parts of Northern Ireland, with temperatures forecast to climb to a toasty 33C.