West Yorkshire Police have identified a 12-year-old boy after he was photographed starting four fires in tinder-dry grass at Primrose Valley Park in Leeds, just metres from residential properties. The force confirmed inquiries into the arson are ongoing after the boy and his family were located.
Witness Captures Fire-Starting on Camera
Scott Townend, a local resident, told The Sun he spotted the young boy and his friends crouching in the tall, dry grass during a walk. 'As I got closer, it was clear the lad was starting fires in the dry grass,' he said. Townend alerted emergency services as the group sat down and ignited yet another blaze, which spread rapidly.
'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,' Townend recounted. The incident occurred amid a backdrop of severe drought conditions across the UK, with July 2026 recorded as the driest July in England and Wales since records began.
Heatwaves and Drought Fuel Fire Risk
The UK has experienced relentless heat since June, with May and June smashing temperature records and two heatwaves in July offering little respite. Although temperatures dipped this week, forecasters warn another 'very warm or hot' spell could arrive before summer ends. Experts say it is 'too early' to confirm a fifth heatwave, but 'temperatures are likely to be higher than average' in many regions.
The dry conditions have sparked wildfires nationwide, with parched fields turning from green to straw-coloured. At the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which began today, aerial views showed the parched landscape, though pilots welcomed the week's cooler weather after past events were delayed by rain, wind, or extreme heat.
Community Concerns and Police Response
The fires at Primrose Valley Park were started in grass that had become highly flammable due to the prolonged drought. Townend's quick thinking in photographing the suspect and calling emergency services likely prevented the fires from spreading to nearby homes. West Yorkshire Police have not released further details but confirmed the boy's identity and that the investigation is active.
This incident highlights the heightened fire risk during the current heatwave conditions. The Met Office has advised the public to avoid discarding cigarettes or glass in dry areas and to report any signs of fire immediately. As the UK braces for potential further heat, authorities urge vigilance to prevent similar incidents.
