UK braces for wildfires as hottest summer on record strains fire services
UK PM Andy Burnham warns of wildfire risk as Britain heads for its hottest summer on record, urging retailers to halt disposable barbecue sales.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that the UK faces a significant risk of wildfires as the country is on track to record its hottest summer ever. Speaking after an emergency Cobra committee meeting on Wednesday, Burnham said fire services are already dealing with multiple serious incidents across the nation.
"The big risk is the risk of wildfires, and what we are seeing is multiple serious incidents across the country," Burnham said. He noted that fire crews are supporting each other through mutual aid agreements, but the government is keeping a close watch on the situation.
A key focus of the government's response is the use of disposable barbecues, which have been blamed for starting several fires. Burnham announced that the National Fire Chiefs Council has extended its framework restricting the retail sale of these items. He called on all retailers, large and small, to comply with the voluntary restriction and to stop selling disposable barbecues immediately.
"We would say to retailers, do not put disposable barbecues on sale at this moment in time," he said, adding that they have been the cause of significant fires. The government will consider whether a temporary summer ban is needed in the longer term.
Burnham also confirmed that this summer is "all but confirmed" to be the hottest on record, and warned that the dry, hot conditions could persist for weeks. The Met Office has declared drought across all of Wales and more than half of England, following heatwaves in May and June that have left the landscape tinder-dry.