This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-13277476
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 4 | Version 5 |
---|---|
Forest fires continue to burn across UK | Forest fires continue to burn across UK |
(40 minutes later) | |
Firefighters are still battling to control fires after the hottest April on record created tinderbox conditions in many parts of the UK. | Firefighters are still battling to control fires after the hottest April on record created tinderbox conditions in many parts of the UK. |
Blazes continue to burn in parts of the Scottish Highlands, Wales, Berkshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire. | |
Fire crews in Northern Ireland have responded to more than 1,000 gorse and forestry fires over the past four days. | |
Police investigating a forest fire at Swinley, Berkshire, have arrested two youths on suspicion of starting fires. | |
During Prime Minister's Questions, David Cameron praised firefighters for their work "in this difficult endeavour". | During Prime Minister's Questions, David Cameron praised firefighters for their work "in this difficult endeavour". |
Responding to a question from Dr Phillip Lee, Conservative MP for Bracknell, Mr Cameron insisted funds would be made available to pay for the cost of the firefighting operation. | Responding to a question from Dr Phillip Lee, Conservative MP for Bracknell, Mr Cameron insisted funds would be made available to pay for the cost of the firefighting operation. |
"There are well tried and tested procedures to make sure that central government stands behind local government when there are excessive costs," he said. | "There are well tried and tested procedures to make sure that central government stands behind local government when there are excessive costs," he said. |
Changing situation | |
The UK has seen only 52% of the usual April rainfall, and weather forecasters say there is little chance of rain before Thursday. | The UK has seen only 52% of the usual April rainfall, and weather forecasters say there is little chance of rain before Thursday. |
The situation around the country is rapidly changing as firefighters beat out flames, and other fires are started. | The situation around the country is rapidly changing as firefighters beat out flames, and other fires are started. |
|
|
NI Water has urged the public to avoid walking in the Mourne Mountains while the dry conditions persist. | NI Water has urged the public to avoid walking in the Mourne Mountains while the dry conditions persist. |
Water from the Mournes runs into Ben Crom and Silent Valley reservoirs. | Water from the Mournes runs into Ben Crom and Silent Valley reservoirs. |
'Ruining scenery' | 'Ruining scenery' |
Dymphna Gallagher, from NI Water, said: "It is unfortunate that these fires are ruining the beautiful scenery and the quality of raw water flowing into the Silent Valley reservoir. Years of work building up this area have been destroyed in a few short days." | Dymphna Gallagher, from NI Water, said: "It is unfortunate that these fires are ruining the beautiful scenery and the quality of raw water flowing into the Silent Valley reservoir. Years of work building up this area have been destroyed in a few short days." |
The Met Office said April was the hottest on record, with many areas of the UK seeing temperatures 3-5C higher than usual. It was the 11th driest April on record. | The Met Office said April was the hottest on record, with many areas of the UK seeing temperatures 3-5C higher than usual. It was the 11th driest April on record. |
England and Wales have experienced only 21% of its average monthly rainfall for the month and south-east England has been particularly dry. | England and Wales have experienced only 21% of its average monthly rainfall for the month and south-east England has been particularly dry. |
But despite the dry weather the Environment Agency said it had no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban this summer. | But despite the dry weather the Environment Agency said it had no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban this summer. |
Have you been affected by fires in your area? Send us your comments using the form below. | Have you been affected by fires in your area? Send us your comments using the form below. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |