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Government Alert about Wildfires

(62 Posts)
TerriBull Fri 14-Aug-26 19:04:53

I've just had one, I nearly jumped out of my skin shock not a sound I usually associate with my phone.

Anyone else?

Aldom Fri 14-Aug-26 19:44:38

I h

Plevey08 Fri 14-Aug-26 19:41:30

A good point nanak...not good to hear when driving. TBH if I had known I'd have put it on silent. As I have no intention of lighting a barbecue or causing a fire. Hope the right people took note of it.

Fallingstar Fri 14-Aug-26 19:38:28

I was in the shower when mine went off so I shouted to my DH wondering what on earth the noise was and my DH said it was on the telly, bless him he does suffer cognitive impairment. My DD rang to ask if I got the alarm later so I knew what it was. My DH still insists it was on the telly 🥹

madeleine45 Fri 14-Aug-26 19:38:14

It was the first alert I have had on this phone, and once I realized what it was , was pleased to see that it works. I am in North Yorkshire and quite locally we have already had a fire on a combine yesterday. We all need to take care and be sensible obviously, but of course those that use their brains will think about not leaving glass outside or any thing that might trigger fires , but there will be those who just do not use any common sense, and I actually saw an idiot throw a cigarette out from a car window as he went by. With fools like that it is no surprise that there are high risks in our tinder dry countryside.

Hope the promise of a little cooler tomorrow works out and then perhaps we might be lucky with a shower or two

MayBee70 Fri 14-Aug-26 19:34:30

Somebody was walking through my village smoking a cigarette today. My partner said he thought about saying something but didn’t; I suppose it was difficult for a man to approach a woman but I would have said something. If I’d been driving when my phone went off I’m not sure how I would have reacted. Imo it should have happened days ago and disposable barbecues should have been banned sooner.

25Avalon Fri 14-Aug-26 19:31:13

Not that loud (Bath). Was in my pocket and I thought it was a strange call from overseas till I looked.

Cossy Fri 14-Aug-26 19:29:55

Dickens

North Gloucestershire here, my small town sits directly on The Cotswolds Way, no fires reported but there are some active field fires nearby in the wider Gloucestershire area

... and some idiot was on BBC HYS saying that banning of disposable BBQs should not be allowed because it was against 'personal freedom'.

Is it any wonder these fires spread?

These kind of people are really totally insane!

Georgesgran Fri 14-Aug-26 19:29:49

Got it and I’m up in Durham, but of course there are the Durham Dales, but no major outbreaks - yet.

Good to know the system works.

ixion Fri 14-Aug-26 19:29:42

Absolutely no reason why it couldn't have been announced on the various news platforms in advance of the alert.

Why the element of surprise?

Fairislecable Fri 14-Aug-26 19:28:35

After a visit from my DD and grandchildren I found a hand held fan left behind by my GD.

I plugged it in to recharge it and stepped away -1 minute later there came a screeching alarm from the corner where I had left it. I dashed over to unplug it knocked my phone to the floor and then realised it was coming from my phone!

Luckily I didn’t damage my phone and my heart is now settling down 😱

Cossy Fri 14-Aug-26 19:28:31

Almost leapt out of my skin!

In Spain and other European Countries this is commonplace

Parsley3 Fri 14-Aug-26 19:27:53

I was talking to my daughter on the phone when her alert came through and took us both by surprise. She lives just outside Stratford on Avon.

nanaK54 Fri 14-Aug-26 19:27:50

Yes we did (Kent) honestly had no idea what was going on for a minute...good idea though.
Pleased that I was home and not driving! grin

Washerwoman Fri 14-Aug-26 19:27:22

A necessary warning but sadly I fear the very small,stupid minority that persist in lighting bbqs and campfires or throwing cigarette butt's won't pay any attention. If I had lost my home like those poor families in Stourbridge and was a result of someone's else's selfish stupidity I'm not sure I would be responsible for my actionsangry

Plevey08 Fri 14-Aug-26 19:22:53

Were we pre-warned? I was online and thought it was a major scam alert. Then read it. Very sensible but hope it didn't terrify too many vulnerable elderly people. Absolutely necessary though.

Casdon Fri 14-Aug-26 19:18:38

Yes we had it in Wales too, we have a lot of wildfires at the moment. I really hope people listen to the advice and don’t have barbecues.

Hymnbook Fri 14-Aug-26 19:18:33

Yes received Nottingham

Dickens Fri 14-Aug-26 19:18:22

North Gloucestershire here, my small town sits directly on The Cotswolds Way, no fires reported but there are some active field fires nearby in the wider Gloucestershire area

... and some idiot was on BBC HYS saying that banning of disposable BBQs should not be allowed because it was against 'personal freedom'.

Is it any wonder these fires spread?

BoggledMind Fri 14-Aug-26 19:17:36

We received it here up north. At least we know they work when needed (had two previous 'test' alerts). There is the option to turn them off but I think they're useful.

Nannylovesshopping Fri 14-Aug-26 19:15:01

And here in Essex

Maggiemaybe Fri 14-Aug-26 19:14:48

I got it in very loud and dramatic stereo. I was holding my phone and DH’s is right next to me on the sofa. Both turned up to maximum volume. grin

Alwaysoptumistic Fri 14-Aug-26 19:12:39

Yes. Got it here in Norfolk.

TerriBull Fri 14-Aug-26 19:10:54

I'm just into Sussex between Surrey Hills and South Downs. I'm so sorry for the people who have been affected by fires. I believe disposable barbecues have been temporarily banned. A wise move.

Calendargirl Fri 14-Aug-26 19:09:35

Yes, just had it.

Oregano Fri 14-Aug-26 19:09:32

Yes just had one, made me jump! I'm in West Sussex.