Millions of residents across England and Wales received a warning to avoid any fire-based activities as fires across the United Kingdom destroy homes amid extreme fire weather, government officials said on Friday.

Officials sent out a mobile phone alert advising people not to light anything that could spark a fire, including barbecues, campfires and fireworks, according to a government press release. The warning was the largest in the mobile alert system’s history since its creation in 2023.

“This is the most extensive use of the UK’s Emergency Alert system in response to an active incident, and reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property,” First Secretary Louise Haigh said in the release. “By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe.”

The nation’s fire and rescue services have recently responded to numerous fires across the UK, including a wildfire that broke out in West Midlands near a Stourbridge golf course just a day before the alert was sent out. The fire destroyed multiple homes and sent multiple people to the hospital. Authorities have not shared exact numbers as of Friday, as crews continue fighting the wildfire.

“West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Police and Dudley borough Council are still working extremely hard to extinguish the fire in Stourbridge, keep the area secure and look after the displaced residents, respectively,” fire crews said. “We would love to be able to welcome all residents back immediately, but our priority now is ensuring the affected area is safe.”

More than two-thirds of England and all of Wales remain in drought and are facing continual extreme heat, straining resources, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council. The organization said ongoing heatwaves, driven by climate change, are driving wildfire risk to outpace investment.

“We must ensure that investment is not only sustained but enhanced if we are to keep pace with the risks facing our communities,” the Council said. “Whilst we rightly focus on the here and now, we are calling for a long-term wildfire strategy that reflects the changing nature of emergencies facing the UK. This would include continued investment in firefighters, specialist wildfire teams, training, equipment and national capabilities, including a dedicated aerial firefighting capability.”

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