Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSuha KidwaiFriday 17 July 2026 13:08 BSTLondon train station closed as firefighters tackle blaze amid warning over ‘extreme’ wildfire riskNetwork Rail has imposed a nationwide ban on steam trains over fears they could trigger wildfires amid Britain's ongoing heatwave.The decision follows an incident where a West Coast Railway train, known as the Harry Potter train, is believed to have sparked a wildfire in Cheshire, causing significant rail cancellations and delays.The ban has led to mass service cancellations and the use of diesel engines as last-minute replacements, disappointing many as summer holidays commence.The measure aligns with Network Rail's fire risk policy, which restricts coal-fired steam engines during dry weather due to the increased risk of sparks igniting fires on parched trackside embankments.This action comes as fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 342 wildfires this year, with experts warning that extreme weather events are becoming the new “normal” in the UK.In fullNetwork Rail bans steam trains from running after ‘Harry Potter’ train sparks wildfireMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in