According to Reuters, wildfires in England and Wales have reached record levels, with fire chiefs warning that emergency services are struggling to keep pace with the growing threat. Fires spread rapidly from dry fields on Thursday, destroying homes in some areas and forcing hundreds of people to evacuate.
While Britain has avoided the scale of devastation seen in parts of Spain, France and elsewhere in Europe, the country is facing an unusually high number of fires during its fifth heatwave of the summer.
Andy Burnham also urged people to take extra care during a visit to Stourbridge in central England, one of several places affected by the fires.
Amid the crisis, Kensington Palace shared a personal message from the Prince of Wales on social media.
“To the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers battling wildfires across the UK, thank you,” William wrote.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly those who have lost their homes, and with those working tirelessly to protect communities, homes and the countryside.”
The Prince signed the message simply with his initial, “W”.
