Burnham Chairs Emergency COBRA Meeting as UK Heatwave Fuels Wildfires

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is chairing an emergency COBRA meeting as the UK faces its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach 38C on Thursday.

Ministers, officials and representatives from the Environment Agency, Defra, Home Office and Department of Health are meeting to discuss the impact of extreme heat, drought, wildfires and pressure on public services. It is Burnham’s first COBRA meeting since becoming prime minister.

The heatwave has contributed to widespread drought, with around 45 million people living in drought-affected areas and millions facing water restrictions. Firefighters are also dealing with a sharp rise in wildfires, with 966 recorded across England and Wales this year.

The government has pledged £97m to improve firefighting equipment, while Burnham has warned that disposable barbecues could face a ban because of their role in starting wildfires. Several major retailers have already stopped selling them during the extreme weather.

An amber extreme heat warning is in place for parts of England, with health officials urging people to stay hydrated, avoid excessive heat and check on vulnerable people.

The government is under growing pressure to strengthen its response as firefighters, farmers, NHS workers and water companies struggle with the effects of prolonged hot and dry conditions.