Andy Burnham has explained the emergency alert sent to mobile phones across England and Wales yesterday was triggered at the request of fire and rescue officers. The alert was sent around 7pm on Friday, August 14 and warned of a very high risk of wildfires nationally.
It warned against doing anything that could lead to a fire, including using disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks. The full message said: "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." The alert follows the outbreak of several major blazes, including a wildfire in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, where 19 homes were completely destroyed.
Prime Minister's response
The Prime Minister took to social media platform X following the alert as he explained the risk of wildfires remains very high. He said: "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."
"We can all help them. Please take the Emergency Alert seriously and follow the guidance in place." Disposable barbecues were withdrawn from sale yesterday as the threat of wildfires remains high.
Burnham's comments on fires
Mr Burnham said some of fires across the country will have been started by disposable barbecues. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "All retailers will be receiving guidance today, asking them to withdraw them from sale."
"We've got 37 fires across England and Wales right now, four of them are major incidents. I can't on this call today say to you that all of them are down to disposable barbecues, they're not, and I wouldn't, wouldn't claim that."
"But it's probable that some of them have been caused in that in that way." The government said the use of the emergency alert to warn about wildfires is the most extensive use of the system to date.
Government's response
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."
