Amber alert heatwave: West Midlands Fire Service shares advice on staying safe

An Amber alert has been issued by the Met office for the period of Thursday 11 August to Sunday 14 August.

“Temperatures will be highest across parts of England and Wales with these peaking on Friday and Saturday. In addition to high daytime maxima, temperatures overnight will remain very warm, especially in larger urban areas,” the Met office said.

In light of the heatwave forecast, West Midlands Fire Service shared some advice about keeping ourselves safe from fires.

Firstly, if there is an emergency, always call 999, they say. “But there’s lots we can do to avoid emergencies in the first place - from being sensible with barbecues, bonfires and near open water, to carefully disposing of cigarettes and matches” they added.

“Please also check in on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours who might struggle to cope with the heat,” they said.

The warnings are particularly poignant after the fire at Lickey Hills Country Park during the previous heatwave when temperatures topped 38 degrees in Birmingham and residents had to be evacuated from homes and firefighters spend days dousing the fire.

Birmingham City Council has also reminded people about the ban on barbecue in a public park or green open space unless it is part of an event and is supplied and operated by a professional certified company. People can still host picnics in those spaces.

What areas will be affected?

In West Midlands, the high temperatures will be felt in:

• Herefordshire
• Shropshire
• Staffordshire
• Stoke-on-Trent
• Telford and Wrekin
• Warwickshire
• West Midlands Conurbation
• Worcestershire

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