An emergency alert is being sent to phones across England and Wales as ministers step up action to protect communities from the growing threat posed by wildfires.
The alert, sent on a rolling basis from around 7pm, warns people not to light anything that could spark a fire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks. They are urged to report any fire immediately by calling 999.
The message, which Andy Burnham said he been sent out at the request of the Fire and Rescue Services comes as firefighters continue to battle blazes across parts of the country.
In response, the PM has also called in the military, announced a ban on disposable barbecues and warned smokers not to risk setting light to “tinderbox” Britain as he scrambles to respond to the summer heatwave and wildfires.
The government also plans to commission firefighting planes, such as the ones used to douse flames in Europe and the US, to combat the spread of fires.
The alert follows the outbreak of several major blazes, including in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, where 19 homes were completely destroyed.
Mr Burnham said the alert had been sent as “the wildfire risk remains very high” and the public could play their part in bringing the situation under control.
“Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting. During this period of extreme heat, I’m asking everyone to take extra care… Our firefighters and emergency responders are working around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions. We can all help them. Please take the Emergency Alert seriously and follow the guidance in place.”
His de facto deputy first secretary Louise Haigh said: “In response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires, the government has taken the decision to issue an Emergency Alert to England and Wales. This is the most extensive use of the UK’s Emergency Alert system in response to an active incident, and reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property.
“During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires. By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe.
“The government will continue to provide every assistance to communities being impacted by these fires, including the deployment of 100 additional military personnel in major incident areas.”
More than 1,000 wildfires have been recorded across the country this year.
The public has been urged to be extra cautious in the dry conditions, including taking litter home, particularly glass bottles which can intensify sunlight and increase fire risk.
Mr Burnham has also vowed to ramp up efforts to protect “tinderbox” Britain from raging wildfires and insisted the government would not “shrink” from the battle against climate change.
Writing exclusively for The Independent, the PM vowed to stick to Labour’s target of reaching net zero by 2050 to “save our children’s future”.
And he promised to send in more military to ease pressure on the ground and support wildfire evacuations after 200 troops were deployed to aid communities on Friday.
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