STORY
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is chairing an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the response to extreme heat, wildfires and drought as Britain experiences its fifth heatwave of the year. Temperatures are forecast to reach around 37C across parts of southern and eastern England and the Midlands from Thursday.
Fire services have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales so far this year, including 185 during the first ten days of August. England and Wales recorded their driest July in 190 years, while Government figures indicate that around 45 million people are living in drought affected areas and 27 million face restrictions on water use.
The meeting is the first COBRA session chaired by Burnham since he became Prime Minister last month. Downing Street said ministers would continue taking action to protect communities and water supplies, support farming and safeguard the environment as prolonged dry weather continues to affect public services, agriculture and wildlife.