Fire services have urged Brits to stop reporting their neighbours for having a barbecue after receiving an influx of calls. The plea comes after millions across England and Wales got an emergency alert on their mobile phones warning them of a “very high risk” of wildfires.
Government warning sparks calls surge
The Government-issued warning on Friday evening told people not to light anything that could spark a blaze, including disposable barbecues, firepits and fireworks. Many were left startled by the loud siren-noised alert that Prime Minister Andy Burnham said was at the request of fire services.
Following the message, three fire brigades reported a surge in calls and asked the public to only ring 999 if there is an emergency.
Fire services respond
Surrey Fire & Rescue Service was among those experiencing a “high volume” of emergency calls. In a statement on X, the service said: “Please only call 999 if there is an emergency or a fire producing significant smoke. We understand residents may be concerned, but we are unable to respond to reports of neighbours having BBQs, bonfires or campfires in their gardens unless there is an emergency.”
The service said it supported the Government’s message and advised against bonfires, fireworks, campfires or disposable barbecues in the dry conditions.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it appreciated the public’s “vigilance”, but in a statement on Facebook asked people to call 999 only if there is “a genuine emergency or an immediate risk to life, property or the environment”. That message was echoed by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who asked for 999 calls only to report “a new emergency”.
Ban on disposable barbecues
Hours earlier, Mr Burnham announced a temporary national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues in response to concerns of further wildfires. Devastating blazes have been seen across large parts of the UK after weeks of widespread hot temperatures and dry conditions.
In Stourbridge, West Midlands, 19 homes have been destroyed in a huge fire, while around 100 military personnel have been called in to tackle wildfires in South Wales. On Saturday morning, the Prince of Wales thanked the emergency services “working tirelessly” to battle the flames. “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,” Prince William said.
