EMERGENCY ALERT SENT TO MILLIONS AS GOVERNMENT TACKLES WILDFIRE THREAT

An emergency alert was sent to mobile phones across England and Wales from approximately 19:00 on rolling basis, warning people not to light fires including barbecues, campfires and fireworks. The alert instructed recipients to report any fire immediately by calling 999. The government announced the measure in response to major wildfires across parts of the country, with firefighters continuing to battle blazes during challenging conditions.

The Prime Minister visited Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where 19 homes were completely destroyed, to meet affected residents and thank emergency responders. The government announced a package of immediate support including emergency funding for fire and rescue services, military assistance in South Wales with approximately 200 Armed Forces personnel deployed for response and recovery efforts, and a temporary nationwide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. Retailers were instructed to remove disposable barbecues from sale immediately. The ban will remain under review while wildfire risk stays heightened.

The Countryside Alliance called the alert appropriate and urged the government to work with moorland managers, gamekeepers and emergency services to ensure all available tools are used to fight wildfires, including controlled burning which it stated had been "severely restricted". The alert was sent at the request of the Fire and Rescue Services, according to a statement by a government source.