UK Government issue national fire warning while local crews also feel the heat

An emergency alert has been sent to millions of mobile phones across the UK warning of a serious wildfire risk.

It comes as hot weather continues to cause problems up and down the country with severe fires and some emergency services declaring major incidents.

The warning issued by the Government just after 7pm advises that there a high risk of wildfires nationally.

It went on to say: “Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire.”

It continued: “Even a small flame can rapidly develop in to a major wildfire placing lives, homes and emergency responders at risk.”

A firefighter tackling one of the blazes near Melton on Friday. Insert; the Government alert warning. Photos: Leicestershire Fire & Rescue/NEMM

Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service attended two wildfires locally in Melton this afternoon (Friday).

Fire Control received a call just after 1pm today to reports of a fire in the open off Burton Road in Melton.

At its height five appliances and a water carrier were at the scene with firefighters being helped by the local farming community.

Just 10 minutes after finishing at that job they were tasked to another wildfire in the Melton Borough.

A post on social media said the believed cause of the second fire was poorly discarded smoking materials on a dry grass verge before it spread to an adjacent field.

Local firefighters have been praised for their quick reaction to the Burton Road incident.

Residents praised the fast response time and amazing efforts by crews to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to nearby houses.