Prime Minister Andy Burnham urges the public to take a wildfire emergency alert "seriously", after it was sent to millions in England and Wales.
The alert warns against "any activity that could start a fire", saying there is a "very high risk of wildfires nationally" - see the full message.
This is the biggest use yet of the emergency alert system, writes Chris Mason, as the first secretary of state says the choice to use it "reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting"
It comes after nineteen houses have been "fully destroyed" in Stourbridge as crews continue to tackle multiple blazes in the West Midlands.
On a visit to Stourbridge earlier, the PM said the fires have been "utterly devastating" and warned the country is like a "tinderbox" - fires have also been tackled in other parts of England and Wales.
Earlier, the fire service said the situation has "vastly improved" in the West Midlands - but people have been returning to destroyed homes. Michael in Pershore described flames spreading from tree-to-tree within seconds.
Major fires rage in other parts of England and Wales
While we have been focusing on fires in the West Midlands, there have been several others being tackled by firefighters across England and Wales:
- In Wales, a major incident was declared near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, after dozens of homes were evacuated and roads closed
- In Hampshire, firefighters have spent a sixth day tackling a wildfire in the New Forest, Hampshire, which broke out on Sunday
- Sixteen emergencies were tackled by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service on Thursday afternoon, including a fire at Mousehold Heath, off Gurney Road in the city
Please take the emergency alert seriously - PM Andy Burnham
Prime Minister Andy Burnham says "our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting", after millions received an emergency alert from the government.
Here's the prime minister's statement in full:
"This evening, an emergency alert has been sent to people across England and Wales as the wildfire risk remains very high. The request came directly from fire and rescue services.
"I was in Stourbridge today and saw first-hand the devastating impact these fires have had on people’s homes and lives.
"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. Please do not light any fires in gardens, the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas.
"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."
