UK residents warned of extreme fire risk via text message

Emergency text messages warning of a very high fire risk were sent to millions of residents across England and Wales on Friday evening. The alerts, which began around 7 p.m. and were expected to continue throughout the night, strongly advised people against lighting fires, grilling, or using fireworks. The warnings come as large parts of the country are experiencing drought and exceptionally high temperatures, fueling multiple blazes. In Stourbridge, near Birmingham, 19 homes were completely destroyed by fires on Friday. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the situation as "difficult" for the weekend, noting 37 ongoing fires across England and Wales. He likened the country to a "powder keg," emphasizing the severe risk to homes and lives from outdoor fires. Burnham also announced a temporary ban on disposable barbecues. The situation has led to renewed calls for significant investment in green energy and a serious approach to climate change. "There is no point in denying what is happening. We have to deal with it, we need more renewable energy," Burnham stated, urging people to take the climate crisis seriously.

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Britain is like a powder keg. If you light a fire outdoors, you put other people's homes, and other people's lives, at great risk. So please don't do it.