An emergency alert issued to millions of mobile devices in Wales caused mass confusion across the nation on Friday evening. The alert, first issued in Welsh and then in English, warned residents near wildfires not to undertake any activity that could start a fire.
Alert triggers confusion
Just after 7pm, the first alert arrived, followed a couple of minutes later by another. Some reported having the alert more than three times. The alarm could even be heard in the One Show studio, with Alex Jones and Roman Kemp questioning what it was before it was explained to them.
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."
Wildfires across Wales
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) is currently tackling at least eight wildfires across the region, including incidents in Tredegar, Van Road, Garth, Blaenavon, Pontllanfraith, Porth, Merthyr Tydfil, Penrhys and BikePark Wales near Merthyr.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident on Thursday evening after a wildfire broke out in the hills near Rhandirmwyn village, Llandovery. That fire has been burning since 12.45pm on Wednesday and remains a complex incident.
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. Homes have been evacuated in Torfaen, Porth, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandovery as firefighters work to contain the blazes.
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."
She added: "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?"
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.
