Millions of mobile phones across England and Wales sounded an emergency alert on Friday evening, warning residents about the escalating wildfire risk amid record-breaking heatwaves. The government deployed the UK's Emergency Alerts system just after 7pm, urging people to take extra care during exceptionally hot and dry conditions.
Government Response and Military Deployment
Ministers have ramped up efforts to prevent further outbreaks, with disposable barbecues temporarily restricted and 100 additional military personnel deployed to tackle major incidents. Firefighters continue to battle wildfires across several parts of the country, with around 40 homes destroyed in Stourbridge, West Midlands.
What to Do If You Received the Alert
The Government has warned that "even a small source of ignition could have devastating consequences, putting people, properties and emergency crews in danger." Residents who received the alert are being urged to avoid activities that could trigger blazes, including using disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators or fireworks. Anyone who spots a fire should move to safety and call 999 immediately.
How the Alert System Works
Not everyone in England and Wales will have heard the warning sound on their phones. Emergency Alerts are broadcast through nearby 4G and 5G mobile phone masts to compatible devices in range, rather than being sent to individual phone numbers.
