The alert was sent out at 7pm to millions of people.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham (Image: Getty)
Millions of people across England and Wales received an emergency alert on their phones from 7pm today, warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks. The warning, which blasted a loud noise from the smartphones of many, read: “There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally.
“Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks. Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk”.
A screenshot of an emergency alert warning against lighting anything that could spark a blaze (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
The “severe alert” issued by the Government prompted panic among many of the people who received it, due to the loud noise and insistent vibration.
Many took to social media to express just how scared they were left by the blaring siren coming from their phones.
One X user wrote: “Innocently listening to the rent soundtrack and my phone starts BLARING an alert from the government about wildfires! I think everyone in the UK got it, scared the life outta me.”
Another wrote: “The severe alert message scared me!! UK government advising us not to have any BBQ or fireworks as it’ll lead to mass wildfire due to the severe heat! It’s 32 degrees but I do agree it’s too hot to be doing any of that!”
A third wrote: “The government alert went off when I was on a bike near Oxford Street I fully thought the nuclear bomb was coming and I was about to be incinerated next to Pret.”
And another said: “Dear Government, it’s not appropriate to send out a sudden, loud ‘severe alert’ to tell people things they already know. It’s appropriate when the wildfire is down the road and we should pack a bag and prepare for evacuation.”
The use of the emergency alert to warn about wildfires is the most extensive use of the system to date, the Government said.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “In response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires, the government has taken the decision to issue an emergency alert to England and Wales. This is the most extensive use of the UK’s emergency alert system in response to an active incident, and reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property.
“During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires. By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe.
“The government will continue to provide every assistance to communities being impacted by these fires, including the deployment of 100 additional military personnel in major incident areas.”
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Also taking to X, Andy Burnham defended the government’s decision to send out the alert, which he said came following a request from the fire and rescue services.
He wrote: “This evening, an emergency alert has been sent to people across England and Wales as the wildfire risk remains very high. The request came directly from fire and rescue services.
“I was in Stourbridge today and saw first-hand the devastating impact these fires have had on people’s homes and lives.
“Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting.
“During this period of extreme heat, I’m asking everyone to take extra care. Please do not light any fires in gardens, the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas.
“Our firefighters and emergency responders are working around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions.
Many Brits were left scared by the blaring siren coming alongside the alert (Image: Getty)
“We can all help them. Please take the emergency alert seriously and follow the guidance in place.”
The emergency alert came just hours after Mr Burnham announced a raft of measures to try and tackle the wildfire emergency in the country.
Mr Burnham also said plans were being drawn up for emergency financial support for fire services battling the spread of wildfires.
He added the country has to “face up” to the “changing climate” and needs to transition to “more clean energy”.