Fears grew after fires broke out in Chilbolton on Sunday, August 2, and Shootash on Monday, August 3. The fires prompted warnings from public officials, including Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, who said "tinder dry" conditions and warm weather "is a real worry". "The vegetation is tinder dry at the moment, and the prolonged dry spell combined with very high temperatures is a very real worry. Another blaze destroyed five hectares of grassland at a nearby waste site before 35 firefighters brought it under control with hose-reel jets and beaters. "It is vital that people take extra care when visiting our green spaces, as fires in these areas can cause significant damage.