UK government warns of increased wildfire risk and issues alert to residents

London, August 14 (KUNA) -- The British government warned today, Friday, of an increased risk of wildfires across the country and issued an emergency alert to mobile phones in England and Wales. In a statement, the government said residents received an emergency alert at 7 p.m. local time urging them not to ignite any potential fire sources, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks. Authorities called on residents to report any fires immediately by dialing the emergency number, warning that "even a small flame can quickly turn into a large wildfire, endangering lives, homes, businesses, and emergency responders." The United Kingdom recorded its highest temperature of the year yesterday, Thursday, reaching 38.1 degrees Celsius at Kew Gardens in west London. Earlier today, the UK Health Security Agency issued an amber-level health warning for a heatwave across England. British authorities also noted that the country is facing sudden drought conditions due to low rainfall and rising temperatures. According to government statistics, the number of wildfires recorded so far has already exceeded the total of 1,017 fires recorded last year. (End)