Baroness Blake named as fire minister as millions receive alert over “high risk” of wildfires

The former leader of Leeds City Council has been appointed fire minister after the Prime Minister warned people not to light fires in “tinderbox” Britain.

Baroness Blake of Leeds was named as fire minister, serving in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, this week as part of a package of measures to tackle wildfires blazing across the country.

Baroness Blake was the leader of Leeds City Council between 2015 and 2021 and her daughter Olivia Blake is the MP for Sheffield Hallam.

Millions of people in England and Wales received an alert on their mobile devices on Friday evening, warning them of “a very high risk of wildfires nationally”.

The burnt out remains of houses following a huge blaze in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, which forced some people to flee after it started tearing through homes. | Jacob King/PA Wire

placeholder image — The burnt out remains of houses following a huge blaze in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, which forced some people to flee after it started tearing through homes. | Jacob King/PA Wire

Andy Burnham said the emergency alert system was triggered at the request of fire and rescue officers.

Friday was provisionally a record-breaking 10th day in 2026 where temperatures have exceeded 35C or more, according to the Met Office.

The Prime Minister also revealed he planned to commission firefighting planes, as used to douse flames in Europe and the US, to combat the spread of wildfires.

He said the country has to “face up” to the “changing climate” and needs to transition to “more clean energy”.

Mr Burnham said plans were being drawn up for emergency financial support for fire services battling the spread of wildfires.

He promised a summit with fire services as he acknowledged they had not been given the funding needed to cope with the impact of climate change – including the possibility of floods later in the year.

It comes as West Yorkshire fire chiefs warned it had seen 31 wildfire incidents recorded by the end of May.

West Yorkshire Fire assistant district commander Mick Rhodes, lead wildfire officer | West Yorkshire Fire

Assistant District Commander Mick Rhodes, lead wildfire officer for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “West Yorkshire saw its highest January-to-May wildfire count in six years during 2025, with 31 incidents recorded by the end of May.

“While the number of wildfires this year is lower than last, it only takes one spark to cause significant damage.

“Yorkshire's moorlands are among our most valuable natural environments, but during prolonged periods of warm, dry weather they can become incredibly vulnerable.

“Most wildfires are preventable. By making simple choices, such as leaving disposable barbecues at home, taking litter away with you and never lighting open fires on the moors, everyone has a role to play in protecting our countryside, wildlife and the communities that surround it.

“Working together across Yorkshire sends a powerful message that wildfire prevention is everyone's responsibility.”

Meanwhile The Prince of Wales has thanked emergency services for “working tirelessly” to battle wildfires across the country.

William said his thoughts are with all those affected, including those who have lost their homes in blazes.

His message comes after wildfires caused devastation across large parts of the UK, including in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, where 19 homes were destroyed.

In a personal statement, the prince said: “To the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers battling wildfires across the UK, thank you.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly those who have lost their homes, and with those working tirelessly to protect communities, homes and the countryside.”