'Don't' plea from fire services after emergency alert triggers wave of 999 calls

An emergency alert was sent to mobile phones on Friday after the summer heatwaves left the UK a 'tinderbox'

Rob Freeman, Press Association Fire services have urged people not to call 999 to report people having barbecues unless there is an emergency following the UK Government’s alert about wildfires. The UK’s mobile phone alert system was used on Friday evening to warn people not to light anything which could spark a wildfi

Fire services urge people not to call 999 to report people having BBQs after emergency alert text  lbc.co.uk

The government has been slammed after an ear-splitting emergency phone siren was triggered nationwide to issue basic wildfire and barbecue advice

Sam Corbishley | Senior News Reporter Published August 15, 2026 7:48am Updated August 15, 2026 7:48am Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also urged people not to light fires in ‘tinderbox’ Britain (Picture: Reuters) Fire services have urged people not to save 999 calls for genuine emergencies following the Government’s wi