UK Wildfires: National Alert as 19 Homes Destroyed in Stourbridge

The British government issued a national emergency alert warning the public against lighting fires after 19 homes were destroyed in Stourbridge, West Midlands. The alert was sent to millions of phones on Friday evening, as blazes continued to burn across England and Wales amid record drought and heatwave conditions.

Prime Minister Calls UK a Tinderbox

Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Stourbridge and described the scene as devastating. He declared the country was like a tinderbox and urged members of the public to take the national warning seriously. He confirmed that 200 military personnel, including Gurkha logistics teams with water tankers, have been deployed to support fire services.

Fires Spreading Across England and Wales

The Stourbridge blaze, which spread rapidly through grass and woodland into residential areas on Thursday, was described by West Midlands Fire Service chief fire officer Simon Tuhill as one of the most significant incidents the service had ever dealt with. In total, 19 homes were destroyed and 18 damaged. In Wales, a major incident was declared near Llandovery. In Hampshire, firefighters spent a sixth consecutive day tackling a wildfire in the New Forest. Arson suspects were arrested in both Stourbridge and Stoke-on-Trent.

Record Wildfire Season

According to data from the National Fire Chiefs Council, 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, matching last year's record. Six firefighters were hospitalised due to smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. The cause of the Stourbridge blaze is still under investigation.