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In November 2026, Prince William visited the Welsh town of Treherbert to highlight a pressing environmental issue: the increasing frequency of wildfires in the United Kingdom. Attributing these events to the consequences of climate change, the Prince warned that the country faces a terrifying prospect if it fails to prepare for these changing conditions. He emphasized that the UK can no longer afford to be complacent as extreme weather patterns become the new norm.

The location of the visit was symbolic, as the area had been devastated by a massive mountain fire the previous August. During the event, Prince William expressed his gratitude for the gargantuan effort made by firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect local residents. One witness recalled the frightening scene, comparing the fire spreading down the hillside to a stream of molten lava approaching their home.

A central theme of the Prince’s message was the need for the UK to modernize its approach to fire management. He argued that the nation must adopt the serious attitude seen in mainland Europe. One significant gap in the UK’s current resources is the absence of specialized firefighting aircraft. While the country’s historically cooler climate previously made such equipment unnecessary, recent record-breaking temperatures and prolonged droughts have fundamentally altered the landscape of disaster response.

The scale of the challenge is reflected in recent data. During one peak period, the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was forced to manage fourteen simultaneous wildfires. To contain these blazes, soldiers were deployed to create fire breaks—strips of cleared land designed to halt the progress of a fire. These blazes were described as deep-seated, meaning they burned deep into the earth, making them exceptionally hard to put out.

With more than 1,300 major wildfires recently recorded across England and Wales, the urgency of the situation is undeniable. Prince William emphasized that while the community spirit shown in Wales was inspiring, structural changes are necessary. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the nation must decide how it will adapt to protect both its citizens and its natural environment.

1. What is the primary purpose of the article?

• A.To describe Prince William’s personal interest in Welsh history.
• B.To report on the increasing threat of wildfires and the need for UK preparation.
• C.To compare the climate of Wales with that of mainland Europe.
• D.To provide technical instructions on how to build an effective fire break.

2. Why does the United Kingdom currently lack specialized firefighting aircraft?

• A.The military has priority use of all available aircraft.
• B.Local residents have expressed concerns about the noise they produce.
• C.They were previously deemed unnecessary due to the country’s cooler climate.
• D.The government has decided to invest in ground-based technology instead.

3. What does the author imply about ‘deep-seated’ fires?

• A.They are more difficult to control because they burn below the surface.
• B.They only occur in areas where the vegetation is very dry.
• C.They are easily extinguished using standard fire breaks.
• D.They spread faster than fires burning on the surface of the hillside.

4. How did Prince William feel about the local response to the August mountain fire?

• A.He was critical of the lack of specialized equipment available.
• B.He was surprised that military personnel were required to help.
• C.He felt that the local community was unprepared for the disaster.
• D.He was highly impressed by the massive effort of the teams involved.

5. In the second paragraph, what is the meaning of the word ‘gargantuan’?

• A.Incomplete or unfinished.
• B.Extremely large or powerful.
• C.Quick and efficient.
• D.Dangerous and risky.