Emergencies: Mobile Phones
The question
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the press release, "Emergency Alert to be sent to England and Wales as Government steps up wildfire response with funding, military support and BBQ ban", 14 August 2026, whether the recommended advice to householders was (a) not to light any barbecue, including in the homes of gardens, or (b) not to light disposable barbecues.
Answered by Cabinet Office
In the UKG press release (available on GOV.UK), individuals were reminded never to leave a household barbecue unattended and to ensure that it is fully extinguished after use. The Emergency Alert informed the public that the risk of wildfires was nationally very high, and that disposable barbecues are one of the activities that could start a fire.
The decision to issue the Emergency Alert on Friday 14 August was taken following direct requests from front-line emergency responders because national capabilities were at risk of being overwhelmed. The Alert was advisory in response to adverse environmental conditions. It was issued at a time when 43 wildfires were active across the UK, and 11 major incidents had been declared.
The alert had a measurable impact on reducing the number of wildfires nationwide.
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