14th Aug 2026 14:36
(Alliance News) - Andy Burnham has called in the military, announced a ban on disposable barbecues and warned smokers not to risk setting light to "tinderbox" Britain as he scrambled to respond to the summer heatwave and wildfires.
The UK prime minister also revealed he planned to commission firefighting planes, as used to douse flames in Europe and the US, to combat the spread of wildfires.
He said the country has to "face up" to the "changing climate" and needs to transition to "more clean energy".
Burnham said plans were being drawn up for emergency financial support for fire services battling the spread of wildfires.
His comments came on a visit to Stourbridge to see the impact of a devastating blaze.
By David Hughes and Sam Hall, Press Association
Press Association: News
source: PA
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