An emergency alert has been sent to phones across England and Wales as ministers scramble to tackle the growing threat of dangerous wildfires.
The alert, sent on a rolling basis from around 7pm to millions, warns people not to light anything that could spark a fire, including barbecues, campfires and fireworks. They are also 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 responds 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.
'Thought WW3 was about to kick off' says Tory MP
The Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston has criticised the use of an emergency alarm for wildfires.
Neil O’Brien said: “Thought WW3 was about to kick off but it is just a message saying not to set stuff on fire. Bizzare.”
Disposable barbecues banned as wildfires rage across UK
Former government chief of staff criticises 'poor comms judgement'
A former government chief of staff, Samuel Coates, has said the government alert was a “poor comms” judgement as his train carriage screamed with alarms.
“Poor comms judgement sending a severe alert with wildfires advice. My central London train carriage suddenly screamed with alarms on everyone’s phones (two times each) about something that had zero urgency here. Other countries routinely send normal SMS for government guidance.”
Fire Brigade Union calls for 5,000 more firefighters
Following an emergency alert sent to millions, the Fire Brigade Union has issued a call for 5,000 more firefighters.
“The FBU have been sounding the alarm for years. We need proper and immediate investment in wildfire PPE, resources and training for every fire and rescue service in the country.
“We need 5,000 more firefighters now.”
Multiple homes completely destroyed after huge West Midlands fires
Alert disrupts BBC Proms
The UK government alert went off just as BBC Proms was due to play Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’.
One Show anniversary disrupted by alert
The One Show’s 20th anniversary special episode has been disrupted minutes after starting by a blasting Government alert about wildfires.
The BBC chat show was just beginning an extended hour-long anniversary special when hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp were drowned out by an alarm.
When introducing the segments set to air across the episode, Kemp was explaining how former host Christine Lampard was returning to the studio when the alarm could be heard on the broadcast.
While Kemp pushed through and kept speaking, Jones shook her head and raised her hands, before she said: “You couldn’t make that up could you. Is that a fire alarm?”
Kemp then faced someone off camera and asked: “Is there some sort of fire alarm?”
“We continue,” they both said, before running through the rest of the segment introductions before the alarm cut out and Kemp said: “Ok, it’s stopped”.
Pictured: emergency alert set sent to millions
Watch: Andy Burnham pleads for public caution at scene of Stourbridge fire
Wildfire alert the most extensive use of system to date
The use of the emergency alert to warn about wildfires is the most extensive use of the system to date, the government has said.
First Secretary of State 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.”
Communities Secretary Angela Rayner said: “It is awful to see the devastation fires have caused across the country. I’m very grateful to all the first responders working so hard to keep people safe. A number of firefighters were taken to hospital as a result of incidents yesterday and I pay tribute to their bravery and commitment.
“As the Prime Minister said, we will do everything to make sure our fire services have the resources they need from us and our support to deal with the unprecedented risks being driven by this heatwave. As well as supporting firefighters on the ground now, my department will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other key organisations to look at our future response.
“To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life’s possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor and local leaders to make sure you are supported.”