Sally Nugent told viewers of a "major incident" declared in South Wales after a wildfire broke out on moorland. Presenting BBC Breakfast alongside Jon Kay, she reported that emergency crews said high winds were making the situation near Ebbw Vale difficult to deal with.
New Forest wildfire
Nugent also covered a fire in the New Forest, Hampshire, which is believed to have started with a vehicle. She explained that the blaze spread into nearby heathland and took hold of the surrounding area. More than 20 crews were deployed to tackle it, she added.
Heatwave alerts
The reports come as the UK braces for another heatwave. BBC Breakfast's climate editor Justin Rowlatt noted that the UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat alerts for much of England until at least Tuesday evening, August 11, warning that higher temperatures may pose a risk to vulnerable groups such as older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions.
The alerts are in place until 9pm on Tuesday but may be extended, with the Met Office warning that temperatures could reach 35 degrees Celsius or more in South East England on Thursday.
Drought concerns
Rowlatt described this year's drought as "somewhat unusual" because January and February were very wet for much of the UK, replenishing reservoirs and ground water. However, late spring and summer have been exceptionally hot and dry. With 23 million people in England and Wales already affected by hosepipe bans, campaigners warn that more of this is to come.
BBC Breakfast airs at 6am on BBC One.
