Last night at around 7pm, millions across England and Wales received a 'Severe Alert' from the UK government regarding a 'high risk of wildfires'. The alert urged people to avoid activities like lighting barbecues, starting campfires, or setting off fireworks. However, many Brits reported not receiving the warning, which triggers a loud siren on compatible phones.
Why Didn't I Get the Emergency Alert?
According to the government website, your phone must be switched on and be a 'compatible' device. It needs to be connected to a 4G or 5G network and have the latest software updates installed. Older phones on 2G or 3G networks are classed as 'incompatible'. You may have also missed the alert if your phone was on airplane mode.
It's hard to estimate exactly how many people are still on older networks, but Ofcom has previously estimated that around five million Brits still use older connectivity.
What Did the Emergency Warning Say?
For anyone who didn't see the alert, it 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.'
The alert comes after a number of homes in Stourbridge in the West Midlands burned down due to a wildfire on Thursday, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham warning that Britain may not see rain till October. Deputy Prime Minister Louise Haigh said it was the most extensive use of the emergency alert system to date.
Can You Have a BBQ in Your Garden?
While the emergency alert strongly advises against starting a barbecue, there is currently no legal consequence for doing so. However, the government has issued a temporary ban on the sales of disposable barbecues, stating they pose a 'significant risk to the public, and the environment' and therefore cannot be considered a 'safe product'. There hasn't been any indication that the government will introduce a nationwide law explicitly barring the use of barbecues on private property. Instead, they are just being heavily discouraged.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Matt Chorley, Burnham stressed just how serious the situation has become, stating: 'Setting a fire in any outdoor setting of any kind is a risk to other people's homes, it's a risk to other people's lives, don't do it, please don't do it'.
Are Disposable BBQs Still for Sale?
Despite the temporary ban, some users on social media have reported still seeing disposable barbecues on store shelves. Corner shops in particular have been mentioned in a few different posts on X, while others have pointed out that Amazon is still listing dozens of disposable barbecues. A stand displaying large bags of charcoal was also spotted in an Essex branch of Sainsbury's this morning. While not currently banned, and other supermarkets also still selling fuel for controlled use of garden grills, it's definitely an interesting marketing choice.
Can I Do Anything to Safeguard My Home?
According to Richard Barker, a horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, there are several ways you can prepare your garden in advance to help reduce the risk of wildfire damage. He tells Metro that it's important to remove anything that could be 'fuel' for a wildfire – and that includes an unkempt lawn. He also advised to audit garden sheds for risks, such as flammable liquids, create fire breaks where possible and remove anything mirrored in your garden that could create reflective heat.
What to Do if You Discover a Wildfire
According to the London Fire Brigade, you should: Stay well away from wildfires as fire can smoulder or spread underground. Make sure you're in a safe place (away from vegetation and smoke). Stay calm and call 999 immediately. If you're in your car, close all windows and vents. When you call 999 be as precise as you can about the location, the size and any other information. The free what3words app can help you pinpoint your location, so download it now. Don't try to tackle the fire yourself.
