Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that Britain is a “tinderbox” as wildfires damage homes and stretch emergency services, announcing a temporary ban on disposable barbecues and urging people not to light open fires. He said the crisis underlines the need to adapt to a changing climate, while promising support for affected residents and fire services.

The military has deployed 100 personnel to the major incident in South Wales, with fire and rescue services also providing mutual aid across the country. The government plans to commission national aerial firefighting capacity, while reports suggest Chinook helicopters could return from Cyprus; the UK currently has no water-bombing aircraft. The article says 2026 has recorded unprecedented high-temperature days, including three reaching 37°C.