Emergency alert sent to mobile phones with wildfire warning after UK blazes
Nation.Cymnru staff
Mobile phone users in England and Wales have received an emergency alert, warning them not to light anything that could spark a fire.
The UK Government sent the alert on Friday evening, which began appearing on mobile devices from 7pm.
People in Wales first received the alert in Welsh, followed a few minutes later by an English version.
Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, said Friday’s message was “the most extensive use of the UK’s emergency alert system in response to an active incident”.
It warned people not to use barbecues, campfires, and fireworks, and recipients have also urged to report fires immediately to 999.
Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, 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.
“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.”
Angela Rayner, the Communities Secretary, said: “As well as supporting firefighters on the ground now, my department will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other key organisations to look at our future response.
“To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life’s possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor and local leaders to make sure you are supported.”
The alert read: “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.”
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Better late than never I suppose. Maybe Labour have woken up to the threat.
The Welsh language message came through a good few minutes before the English version. I know we will joke about that but it is utterly unacceptable and terrifyingly incompetent of both the Welsh and UK governments. The UK seems unable to get anything right anymore.
There’s no way on earth that the English should come before Welsh. People need to stop crying about that. However the English would need to follow closely after not a few minutes. I’d be happy to drive anyone to the border who does not respect the prioritising of Welsh.
In an emergency, the priority must be giving people information they understand as rapidly as possible. An incomprehensible alarm causes anxiety. If this alarm had been time critical the delay in distributing the English message could have cost lives.
Recipients should be able to choose their preferred language with messages sent out simultaneously. But effective communication must take precedence.
You got the English version at the same time as England. What more could you want?
A simple insertion in the Welsh language alert, ENGLISH TEXT WILL FOLLOW SOON’ would have eased anxiety and confusion.
How simple…and how simple minded have they been, from top to bottom complacency and neglect and ignorance of the here and now.
Green boys toys in that Butterfly House, half full of Wasps (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, those were the days)
Wales is not trusted with powers over policing but get sent a message from London about BBQs.
Blaenavon – Arson.
Blaenllechau – Arson.
Newbridge – Arson.
Rhandirmwyn – under investigation.
Obviously the solution to our climate crisis is to make it worse by increasing oil and gas extraction from the North Sea. Who cares about a few burned peasants anyway? 🙃
Lot of unfavourable reactions to this alert. In future, wouldn’t it be better to provide a bilingual message and links to audio messages, further information (detailing actions to take, what to report -to who, when and how) and offer the possibility of translation into other languages? If, following this 14th August alert, large numbers of people find ways to block future Government Alerts on their phones, that undermines the whole point of the Government Alert system!
This. There would have been many people receiving this alert that couldn’t understand the English either. Surely it’s not that difficult to provide the alerts bilingual, simultaneously with links for options for other languages.