Fire services have urged the public to reserve 999 calls for genuine emergencies, following the Government's wildfire alert that sent millions of phone notifications across the UK. Surrey Fire & Rescue Service reported a 'high volume' of calls to its control room, many from residents concerned about neighbours lighting barbecues or bonfires, but stressed that such reports are not emergencies unless there is a significant fire or immediate risk.
Government Wildfire Alert Triggers Nationwide Warning
The alert, sent to millions of phones on Thursday evening, warned people not to light anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues and garden incinerators. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, after visiting Stourbridge in the West Midlands—where a wildfire spread across more than 500 acres and destroyed 19 homes earlier this week—announced a temporary ban on disposable barbecues. He urged home cooks and gardeners to 'take extra care' by not lighting any fires 'in gardens, the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas'.
Mr Burnham told the public to take the warning 'seriously' and said it was triggered at the request of firefighters. The alert was sent as the UK experienced a provisional record-breaking 10th day in 2026 where temperatures exceeded 35°C, according to the Met Office. Frittenden, near Ashford in Kent, was among the hottest places, with temperatures reaching 35.3°C.
Fire Services Respond to Call Volumes
Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, in a statement on X, said: 'Please only call 999 if there is an emergency or a fire producing significant smoke. We understand residents may be concerned, but we are unable to respond to reports of neighbours having BBQs, bonfires or campfires in their gardens unless there is an emergency.' The service supported the Government's message and advised against bonfires, fireworks, campfires or disposable barbecues in the dry conditions.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service appreciated the public's 'vigilance' but, in a Facebook statement, asked people to call 999 only if there is 'a genuine emergency or an immediate risk to life, property or the environment'. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service echoed this, requesting 999 calls only to report 'a new emergency'.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
In a related incident, four 14-year-old boys were bailed on Friday after being arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire set on a mountain near Pleasant Heights in Porth, South Wales Police said. The arrests come amid heightened wildfire risk across the country.
The fire services' appeals highlight the need to keep emergency lines clear for genuine emergencies, especially during periods of extreme heat and dry conditions. Residents are encouraged to follow official guidance and report only immediate risks to life, property, or the environment via 999.
