Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, approved the booming wildfire emergency alert that startled people across England and Wales, it is claimed. Millions received the piercing alarm on Friday evening at 7pm, warning against any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators, and fireworks.
Social Media Fury Over Alert
Many took to social media to express shock and anger over the loud, siren-noised alert. One social media user called it an “absolute abuse” of the alert system and said they were turning it off. Another claimed: “What a misuse of the system. You hear the emergency alert klaxon and you think Putin’s finally launched the missiles, and then you check your phone and it’s the government asking you to not have a barbecue.”
Former Tory cabinet minister Thérèse Coffey said on X: “Was expecting [a] much more specific alert, not a generic message on wildfires.”
Government Response and Context
Andy Burnham said the Government-issued notification “came directly” at the request of fire services battling wildfires across the country. According to The Sun, it is understood the notification was given the green light by Ms Haigh. As First Secretary of State, she is effectively Mr Burnham’s deputy prime minister.
After the alarm, Ms Haigh hailed it as “the most extensive use” of the UK’s mobile phone alert system.
Wildfires Continue to Rage
Wildfires have continued to rage this weekend following weeks of high temperatures and dry conditions. In South Wales, firefighters have been brought in from as far away as London and Cumbria to help tackle major wildfires. On Sunday afternoon, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it was responding to 14 incidents with the support of other services and military personnel.
On Saturday evening the service warned that, while temperatures may ease in the coming days, a continued lack of rain means the wildfire risk remains high into next week. The Prime Minister has announced a temporary ban on disposable barbecues amid concerns of further wildfires in “tinderbox” Britain.
