Troops Deployed to Support Firefighters Facing Widespread Blazes in Britain’s Dry Conditions

SOLDIERS will help 999 crews tackle wildfires as they struggle with dozens of devastating outbreaks.

PM announced the move as his Government declared a temporary ban on the sale of disposal barbecues blamed for a series of blazes this summer.

Around 100 military personnel are being sent to provide support after South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it was affecting areas including Blaenavon and Porth.

It requested military assistance to provide “additional logistical and defensive tactical support” after days of intense operational demand.

Mr Burnham said: “That support is critically needed.”

and rescue services in differing parts of the country have already been sharing crews.

But the PM said the sheer number of incidents meant the usual system risked being stretched.

At 7pm last night, the to every mobile phone in and Wales, warning of the risk of activities that could spark flames.

Mr Burnham said the request came directly from fire services. But some mocked the message’s tone. Tory MP Neil O’Brien wrote: “Thought WW3 was about to kick off but it is just a message saying not to set stuff on fire. Bizarre.”

Meanwhile, the temporary ban on selling the disposable grills was announced by the Business department, which ruled they “cannot be considered a safe product”.

As 999 teams continued to tackle wildfires, the Prime Minister said: “Britain is a tinderbox right now.

“Setting a fire in any outdoor setting of any kind is a risk to other people’s . It’s a risk to other people’s lives. Don’t do it. Please don’t do it.”

Mr Burnham had first on Wednesday — but did not go through with it until yesterday, the day after .

He also argued the UK must face up to the “changing climate” and transition to “more clean energy”.

Business Secretary said the ban in England, Scotland and Wales was a “common-sense step to protect lives and the environment”.

All retailers will receive guidance on the change, which will be kept under review. Some supermarkets had halted sales voluntarily.

The rule came after an and was announced while the PM visited residents forced to flee their homes as an “apocalyptic” inferno ripped through their street.

“Up to 300 had to be evacuated due to the ­ferocious blaze, which engulfed around 40 acres of land close to Stourbridge Golf Club, West Midlands, on Thursday.

It left at least 19 people in hospital, including a child and three firefighters, as residents fled with only minutes to spare.

Nineteen houses have been destroyed and 18 damaged, West Midlands Fire Service said.

Last night, some locals .

A craze sees some youngsters torching study notes.

Around 100 firefighters had ­battled flames which raced through tinder-dry grass and woodland before reaching properties.

Devastated families returned to find homes reduced to charred shells and all possessions destroyed.

Among the worst hit were Gordon and Pauline Addis, and Gordon’s daughter Jo Egan, whose two semi-detached cottages were devastated after flames swept across fields behind them.

Gordon and Pauline managed to escape with their dog Chester, but the family was unable to reach Jo’s two cats, Hooper and Brody, who are feared to have died.

Gordon, in his 70s, suffered burns to his arm and neck and was taken to hospital before later being discharged.

His daughter Gina Addis said: “The fire spread rapidly from the fields behind and they were lucky to escape with their lives. Both houses have been devastated beyond repair . . . everything is gone — their belongings, their memories and the places they felt safe.

“We also believe that my sister’s two beloved cats have sadly ­perished, which has added even more heartbreak to an already ­devastating situation.”

One resident commented: “The fire was apocalyptic. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.”

Members of a riding school said their “legs were burning” as they raced to rescue eight horses.

And local Emmerald Morrall described eight hours of “absolute chaos, panic and fear”.

She said: “The street was full of bewildered people, panting in the heat. It was like a disaster movie.”

Thursday’s drama was not restricted to Stourbridge, with a series of wildfires across the nation.

Crews battled 11 major incidents, including in Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Meanwhile, Mr Burnham will today pledge a £65million funding boost to help after the ­driest July on record.

Visiting a farm in the South West, he will say: “The ability to grow our own food is national security, and I will treat it that way.”