Police and fire services across Wales have issued a plea for the public to stop calling 999 because of a UK Government emergency alert that was issued on Friday evening to millions of mobile devices. The alert, first issued in Welsh and then in English, warned residents who are located near wildfires not to undertake any activity that could start a fire.
On Friday evening, at around 7pm, the first alert arrived. There was confusion over what it said in Wales, and it was followed a couple of minutes later by another. Some reported receiving the alert over three times. Emergency services have issued a plea for people to stop calling 999 about the alert, and instead to only call if there is a genuine emergency.
High volume of calls
A spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are currently receiving a high volume of 999 calls following the UK Government's severe alert issued this evening about the increased risk of wildfires. Please only call 999 if you have a new emergency to report to the Fire Service or our partners in the police and ambulance service."
North Wales Police has also posted a statement with the same plea. A spokesperson said: "We are currently receiving a high number of 999 calls following the severe alert warning issued by the UK Government this evening in relation to the risk of wildfires nationally. Before you call 999, please take a moment to think whether what you're calling about is an actual emergency."
Generally, you should only call 999 if: a life is in danger, or someone is being physically threatened; you are witnessing a crime happening at the time, or think the offenders are still nearby; you witness or are involved in a serious road traffic collision where someone is badly injured, or other vehicles are causing an obstruction or a danger to other road users.
Major incidents declared
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has declared a major incident and is tackling seven wildfires across the region. There are wildfires in: Tredegar; Van Road, Garth; Blaenavon; Porth; Merthyr Tydfil; Penrhys; BikePark Wales near Merthyr. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has also declared a major incident. This was issued after a wildfire broke out in the hills near Rhandirmwyn village, Llandovery on Thursday evening. That fire has been burning since 12.45pm on Wednesday and remains a complex incident.
Homes have been evacuated in Torfaen, Porth, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandovery as firefighters work to contain the blazes. Fire crews from across England, such as London Fire Brigade, have been seen in south Wales tackling the blaze, alongside Welsh fire services and the military.
How the public can help
The fire service has said the points below are ways you can help: report any suspicious behaviour or deliberate fire setting to the police by calling 101; please only call 999 if you have a new emergency to report to the Fire Service; stay away from the affected area to allow emergency services to operate safely and effectively; please do not use barbecues or fire pits during the prolonged dry weather; do not light fires outdoors; follow any local restrictions or safety advice in affected areas. If you are in an area affected by smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed where possible and follow Public Health Wales advice.
