Boy sparks four fires in bone-dry Leeds park as heatwave turns fields to tinder

07 August 2026 , 13:26

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Boy sparks four fires in bone-dry Leeds park as heatwave turns fields to tinder

Fields of grass had turned from healthy green into a pale straw color after heatwaves since June across the UK.

And this week, a man stumbled upon a young boy and his friends starting four fires in tall, dry grass at Primrose Valley Park in Leeds.

Scott Townend told The Sun he was walking when he saw the young boy and his friends crouching down and doing something.

‘As I got closer, it was clear the lad was starting fires in the dry grass.’

Scott called emergency services as the boys sat down and started yet another fire, which quickly spread.

‘At this point, I managed to take a photograph of him while he was doing it. Within around 20 seconds, the fire had spread considerably and had become a large fire,’ he said.

West Yorkshire Police have since found the 12-year-old boy and his family, and said inquiries are ongoing into the crime of arson.

May and June saw heat records smashed, while two heatwaves in July meant Brits got little respite from the hot weather.

Temperatures remained high at the start of August before dropping this week, but forecasters have warned we could be set for yet another ‘very warm or hot’ spell before the summer is over.

While experts have said it is ‘too early’ to confirm whether a fifth heatwave is on the cards, ‘temperatures are likely to be higher than average’ in many parts of the country.

Dry conditions have also caused drought across the country. Last month was the driest July in England and Wales since records began, causing wildfires nationwide.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta began today as thousands gathered to watch the launch, but an aerial view showed parched fields.

Fields of grass had turned from healthy green into a pale straw color as far as the eye could see, following heatwaves since June that saw the South West surpass 30°C on multiple days.

But hot air balloon pilots will be thankful for this week’s more moderate weather – as the festival has been delayed in past years due to rainfall, heavy wind, and soaring temperatures.

Thomas Brown

Head of Investigations