Wildfires have erupted across Britain over the past 24 hours, with families forced to flee their homes as the heatwave continues.
Emergency services have declared a “major incident” on Conwy Mountain in North Wales, with residents ordered to leave their properties as a precaution.
Crews from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the mountainside blaze in the early hours of this morning and continue battling the inferno.
Jami Jennings, from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment.”
The operation is anticipated to last for an extended period given the scale and complexity of the incident.
North Wales Police are coordinating the evacuation of nearby communities, with those living in Dwygyfylchi and Penmaenmawr advised to keep windows and doors shut if smoke affects them.
Emergency services have declared a ‘major incident’ on Conwy Mountain in North Wales, with residents ordered to leave
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Several other fires have erupted across the UK within the past day.
At Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, Lancashire, a blaze broke out on Saturday evening and spread rapidly across the moorland.
Helicopters have been drawing water from the reservoir to douse the flames, while specialist wildfire units and off-road vehicles have been deployed to contain the spread.
Locals reported hearing loud bangs before the fire started and videos showing a group setting off fireworks near the site have circulated online.
The London Fire Brigade dispatched seven engines and a terrain support vehicle to tackle a field fire in Orpington
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An investigation into the cause has been launched, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade dispatched seven engines and a terrain support vehicle to tackle a field fire in Orpington, Bromley, this afternoon.
And in Weymouth, Dorset, an electricity power station fire broke out near the seafront, with plumes of black smoke billowing as shocked beach-goers looked on.
Natural England has warned vast swathes of southern England and the Midlands currently face an “exceptional” risk of wildfires as the sweltering conditions persists.
The Government agency’s alert covers a broad area stretching from Yeovil in Somerset northwards to Shrewsbury in Shropshire.
Extended periods without rainfall have caused dead vegetation to dry out significantly, making it far more susceptible to catching fire and burning intensely.
Dave Swallow, from the National Fire Chiefs Council, cautioned the hot, dry weather “significantly increase wildfire risk”.
“But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,” he added. “Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette, or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.”
Three record-breaking heatwaves this year, combined with minimal rainfall, have heightened fire danger across England and Wales.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber and yellow heat-health alerts that will remain active from Sunday morning until 9pm on Wednesday.
Amber warnings covering the South West and West Midlands indicate significant strain on health and social care services is expected, with a probable increase in deaths among pensioners and those with chronic illnesses.
Yellow alerts apply to the North West, East Midlands, eastern England, London and the South East.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C or higher across parts of England and Wales in the coming days, potentially climbing to 33C in some locations.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, of the UKHSA. warned prolonged warm weather could “result in serious negative health outcomes across the population”, particularly affecting older people and those with existing health conditions.