Firefighters are being praised for their ‘tireless’ effort during the heatwave.

Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has expressed gratitude to the firefighters who have attended hundreds of incidents over the “exceptionally hot” summer, including the team from Shipston fire station.

Soaring temperatures and long periods of dry weather led to an influx in fires, with firefighters left battling for hours in the heat to get blazes under control.

Andy Crump, portfolio holder for WFRS at WCC, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the brave firefighters at Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service.

“We have seen them turn out time and time again, working unrelentingly in arduous conditions, to keep our communities safe.

“Thank you to the whole team for the amazing work you have done this summer and continue to do all year round.”

Analysis has found that nationally, July was the driest July recorded since 1885.

Meanwhile, Met Office data has shown that the average temperature in the Midlands region was 18.1 degrees, up 1.6 degrees on the monthly average.

There was also 200 hours of sunshine, nearly double the monthly median, and just 23.2mm of rainfall, 35 per cent of what is normally seen during July in the region.

Ben Brook, chief fire officer at WFRS, said: “Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is here every day to keep our communities safe. 

“This summer has been exceptionally challenging with the protracted periods of extreme weather. 

“Not only have we experienced a significant increase in our activity, but our people have also had to work incredibly hard in dry and hot conditions. 

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone in the service who has played their part in keeping people safe across the county.”