Heatwave latest: Burnham sends army to battle South Wales wildfires after emergency alert sent to millions
The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has deployed military personnel to assist firefighters tackling wildfires in South Wales after an emergency alert warned millions across England and Wales of an extreme fire risk. The response follows major blazes during the year’s hottest day, including a fire near Stourbridge in the West Midlands that destroyed homes and forced evacuations, highlighting the pressure extreme heat and drought are placing on emergency services.
Burnham said 37 fires were smouldering nationally, with 100 personnel, water bowsers and engineering support sent to South Wales, followed by a further 100 armed forces members. In Stourbridge, 19 homes were destroyed and 18 damaged after a blaze spread across more than 500 acres; several people were hospitalised and residents remain displaced. Nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales are in drought, while 2026 has recorded unprecedented numbers of days above 36C and 37C, prompting calls for faster action on clean energy and climate change.
- Military deployed as wildfires spread during extreme heat.
- Nineteen homes destroyed in a major West Midlands blaze.
- Drought and record temperatures have increased fire risks.
New here? Start with this
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that can spread quickly through dry grass, woodland and nearby buildings. Hot, dry weather makes vegetation easier to ignite and harder to keep fires under control, putting residents and emergency crews at risk.
Firefighters lead the response, while the armed forces can provide extra personnel, vehicles and engineering help when needed. Andy Burnham is the Prime Minister in this story; the emergency alert system lets authorities warn large numbers of people about an immediate risk.
Drought means a prolonged lack of rain, which can leave land and vegetation unusually dry. The fires have also raised questions about how heat and drought affect emergency services, and how communities prepare for more extreme weather.