Sheffield MP says those starting fires will face 'full force of the law' as wildfires burn across the country
“At a time of hot, dry weather, fires like these can spread uncontrollably and cause destruction to local habitats and houses”
As Sheffield battles through yet another heatwave a local MP has asked people to remain safe and help avoid any further wildfires - promising that the “full force of the law” will be brought on those responsible for blazes.
Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh has made the statement after the Government hosted an official COBRA meeting on the ongoing crisis.
A ban on disposable barbecues has been announced in response, with Ms Haigh - who is also the First Secretary of State - warning that fires can “spread uncontrollably” in current conditions.
She added: “[It’s] awful to see wildfires across Sheffield during the heatwave and it’s absolutely devastating to see the impact of this on our local wildlife and our communities.
“The Government has been ensuring that local fire and rescue services are sufficiently supported in the number of major incidents across the country and my thoughts and gratitude are with the firefighters who are risking their own safety to keep people safe.
“At a time of hot, dry weather, fires like these can spread uncontrollably and cause destruction to local habitats and houses.
“Our firefighters are working incredibly hard under such enormous pressures and if it is found that these fires have been started deliberately then it is right that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.”
Fires are currently popping up across the country following one of the driest summers on record and five separate heatwaves.
People are being advised to not have bonfires and properly dispose of cigarettes and litter.
Further support is being offered to emergency services from the Government, with the military also being deployed in south Wales to help control a wildfire there.
"We've got 37 fires across England and Wales right now,” Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Radio 5 Live.
"I can't say to you that all of them are down to disposable barbecues, they're not, and I wouldn't claim that, but it's probable that some of them have been caused in that way."
"I would just say more broadly to everybody: these problems are far from over. We're going into a difficult weekend, please just think about the situation that we're in.
"Setting a fire in any outdoor setting of any kind is a risk to other people's homes. It's a risk to other people's lives. Please don't do it."