Public told to save 999 calls for emergencies after influx of calls

Environment
15 Aug 2026 • 3:32 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Public told to save 999 calls for emergencies after influx of calls

  • Fire services across England and Wales have urged the public not to call 999 to report neighbours using barbecues unless there is a genuine emergency, following an influx of calls.
  • Millions of people received a mobile emergency alert on Friday evening warning of a nationwide high risk of wildfires amidst dry, hot conditions.
  • Prime Minister Andy Burnham asked the public to take the warning seriously, which advised against activities such as using disposable barbecues, firepits, or fireworks.
  • The emergency alert follows severe wildfires, including one in Stourbridge, West Midlands, which destroyed 19 homes across more than 500 acres.
  • The UK recorded a provisionally record-breaking tenth day in 2026 with temperatures exceeding 35C, reaching 35.3C in Kent.

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