Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRob FreemanSaturday 15 August 2026 08:32 BSTAndy Burnham pleads for public caution at scene of Stourbridge fireFire 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.In fullStop calling 999 to report neighbours having barbecues, fire services sayMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in