An emergency alert sent to millions of mobile phones in the UK has sparked widespread confusion across the country. The message, first delivered in Welsh for many before being repeated in English, warned people not to engage in any behaviour that might start a blaze.
Wildfires across South Wales
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) is presently battling at least eight wildfires throughout the area, with incidents reported in Tredegar, Van Road, Garth, Blaenavon, Pontllanfraith, Porth, Merthyr Tydfil, Penrhys and BikePark Wales near Merthyr.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service announced a major incident on Thursday evening following a wildfire outbreak in the hills close to Rhandirmwyn village, Llandovery. That blaze has been raging since 12.45pm on Wednesday and continues to be a challenging situation.
Properties have been cleared in Torfaen, Porth, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandovery while firefighters attempt to control the fires, reports Wales Online.
Alert timing causes confusion
The UK Government’s Emergency Alerts website confirmed alerts in the two countries were sent a few minutes apart. A Welsh warning was issued across Wales at 6:57pm, followed by the English version being issued to England and Wales at 7:01pm.
This meant that for several minutes, English-speaking recipients in Wales and some parts of England had a "Severe Alert" warning on their phone in a language could not understand.
Some people subsequently then had a second siren on their phones as the English version of the alert arrived minutes later. The warning was even heard live in the One Show studio, where presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp initially questioned what the sound was before it was explained.
Alert message and public response
The alert 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.
"Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999. Search gov.uk/alerts for more information."
Some have reported having the alert more than three times.
As a result of the alert, North Wales Police reported a surge in 999 calls. They urged the public not to call them because of the alert, and to only call them in a genuine emergency.
A spokesperson for the force said: "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.
- If 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.
Fire services advise that if you spot a new active fire, call 999, and if you are in an area affected by smoke, keep all windows and doors closed where possible and follow public health advice.
With hot and dry conditions continuing, authorities are warning that the risk of further wildfires remains extremely high.
Do not fly drones over the fires as this could interfere with the emergency response.
Government response and criticism
The UK Government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues as they pose a "significant risk to the public" due to the heatwave conditions.
First Secretary for the UK Government, 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."
The Welsh Government has been criticised by Labour for their wildfire response being "too slow." Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates MS has written to the First Minister calling for the Senedd to be recalled.
Jayne Bryant MS, Welsh Labour's spokesperson for Communities, said: "Leadership is lacking whilst Wales burns. Why isn't the First Minister chairing a daily emergency review? Where is the financial support for families, businesses, and councils? Why haven't we had daily updates from government ministers?"
