Prince William praised heroes and offered support to those who lost homes after a spate of wildfires sparked a nationwide alert and military aid being provided
Prince William has released an emotional statement praising emergency workers and sending support to people who have lost their homes as wildfires continue to sweep across the UK. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prince of Wales expressed his gratitude to those fighting the flames on the front line while acknowledging the heartbreaking loss felt by families across the nation.
He posted: “To the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers battling wildfires across the UK, thank you.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly those who have lost their homes, and with those working tirelessly to protect communities, homes and the countryside.”
The royal message comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned the nation has turned into “a tinderbox”.
A total of 200 military personnel have been deployed to reinforce emergency teams struggling to contain the outbreaks.
As part of the armed forces response, Gurkha logistics teams armed with water tankers alongside military engineers have been sent to support local fire services in South Wales, with Burnham promising further troop deployments if conditions worsen.
The scale of the crisis has reached alarming levels, with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) figures showing 1,017 wildfires recorded across England and Wales so far this year – matching last year’s record total. Emergency services have faced non-stop calls in recent days.
In the West Midlands, dozens of residential properties were destroyed following devastating infernos, while a major incident was declared near Llandovery in Carmarthenshire, forcing road closures and the evacuation of dozens of homes.
Down in Hampshire, firefighters spent a sixth consecutive day battling a massive forest fire in the New Forest, and Norfolk crews tackled 16 separate emergencies on Thursday afternoon alone, including a blaze at Mousehold Heath in Norwich.
The widespread danger prompted the government to push a nationwide emergency warning directly to millions of mobile phones on Friday evening, marking the most extensive rollout of the broadcast alert system in UK history.
The message warned of a “very high risk of wildfires nationally” and urged members of the public, landowners and tourists to avoid any actions that could ignite dry ground, highlighting disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators and fireworks.
In response to the crisis, the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST) issued strict new guidance banning the sale of disposable barbecues both in-store and online across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds backed the unprecedented ban, calling the measure “common-sense steps to protect lives and the environment.”