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THE unusual hot weather and exceptionally dry conditions are seeing an increasing number of fires breaking out across the country.

The real danger of wildfires has been seen all over the UK, with homes and businesses destroyed by fire. Even in Sefton, Formby had a lucky escape when a fire took hold in the dunes on the evening of the:- 12 August 2026.

The dry tinderbox conditions across the nation, combined with people failing to heed warnings on television and radio against using open flames and disposing of cigarettes carelessly, led to a:- 'National Emergency Alert' being issued across mobile phone networks on:- 14 August 2026.

Shockingly, despite the sensible and correct use of the National Emergency Alert system to issue the warnings, people have taken to social media to complain about the message being sent out.

For example, Mark Avis said:- "Telling people across the whole country about the safe use of BBQ's is NOT what that's system is for. If there was a current large scale fire in an area, then that should have been the message. I don't think you get what that system is intended for." Mark Avis also said:- "What an absolute abuse of a system designed for alert if imminent danger to life. Government wants to use it to treat us like children. Plus...what a daft tone to even do it excusing the daft message."

also Steve Bould commented:- "Not really the kind of notification that this system was designed to highlight. It's an emergency notification, intended to warn us of imminent danger. Unfortunately, this form of action could result in the:- "boy who cried wolf" response. People could become complacent and ignore such vital communication when there is a serious threat. The kind of people who will use disposable barbecues, set off fireworks or launch the Chinese Lanterns, will continue to do so irrespective of such advice. Please keep this system for true emergencies, and not for advice to those who will ignore it anyhow."

Another, Dennis Shore responded on social media saying:- "Where was the actual fire in Southport then? Who was at risk? Why wasn't this fire identified in the alert? Why did the alert not give any instructions to people who were in harm's way of this fire? Oh wait, that's because THERE WAS NO ACTUAL DANGER."

Taking on those complaining on social media about the use of that National Alert System many made comments like:-

Shirley Taylor commented to the posts complaining saying:- "There is imminent danger for those living near fields and grassland so bone dry. You need look no further than the midlands. Grass fires resulted in peoples' homes burning down. It probably doesn't affect those in inner cities apart from areas around public parks, like:- Sefton Park, Rimrose Valley etc." Other supported the action by pointing out who asked for it to be sent and why, like:- Julia Maxted who commenting:- "The fire service asked for the alert to be sent out. They're risking their lives because people want a BBQ or can't put their cigarettes out safely!" Lesley S added to the social media comments that:- "I would rather have an alert even if there wasn't any danger to us just to keep us on our toes ! There have been fires in the UK . We have a lot of fields and farmland around , so a timely reminder doesn't harm anyone ! If it so bothers, you turn your phone off or else you are going to have a heart attack ! Try and get worked up about something important!"

Also, to protect vulnerable environments, local Councils and fire services across the country have enforced temporary bans on:- disposable barbecues and bonfires in public parks, beaches, and countryside sites.

So far in 2026, National Fire Chiefs Council data confirms that over:- 1,000 wildfires have been reported in England and Wales alone. Dealing with these fires diverts vital resources away from other life threatening situations. The financial and environmental costs are extremely high from these fires. According to:- 'European Forest Fire Information System' monitoring, 29 properties have been damaged or completely lost, and 56 people have been injured in major UK blazes this year.

Recent examples of dangerous fires across the UK include:- major blazes across the dry Mooreland in the Peak District which forced the closure of key transport routes, as well as:- destructive Heathland fires along the Suffolk coast where local residents had to be evacuated to escape fast spreading flames.

Ignoring safety warnings and starting fires during extreme dry periods carries severe legal consequences in England and Wales. Individuals who light fires recklessly face prosecution for basic arson under the:- 'Criminal Damage Act 1971,' which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. If a fire endangers life or causes a fatality, individuals can face charges of:- aggravated arson or involuntary manslaughter, specifically unlawful act manslaughter or gross negligence manslaughter. Local authorities can also issue fixed penalty notices for breaching temporary barbecue and bonfire bans under:- 'Public Spaces Protection Orders.'

Official guidance on:- Gov.UK explains that the Emergency Alerts System is managed by the UK Cabinet Office in partnership with the emergency services and relevant government agencies.

An alert is requested by operational lead authorities, such as:- local Fire and Rescue Services, the Police, or the Environment Agency, when an incident presents a severe threat to life. The decision to issue the alert is made through a multi agency coordination process involving emergency service commanders and Government planners who assess both immediate dangers and potential emerging threats to the public. Once authorized, the broadcast is initiated via Government systems directly to mobile network operators.

It is set up to send localized early warnings directly to mobile devices during genuine danger to life emergencies. This applies not only when a situation is already critical and imminent, but also when there is significant potential for rapid escalation into a life threatening event, such as:- extreme heat, severe flooding, industrial accidents, and widespread wildfires. The system works by using :-4G and 5G mobile phone masts to broadcast a message to every compatible device within range of the affected area. It does not collect personal data, track location, or require phone numbers. When received, the mobile phone vibrates and plays a loud siren like sound for around 10 seconds, even if the device is set to silent.

Do you think an alert highlighting the dangerous situation we are in and enforcing the message not to use barbecues and have open flames currently via a National Alert was a good idea or not? If not, please let us know why you think it is wrong. Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter and let us know as we love to hear your views....