Gransnet forums

Chat

Government Alert about Wildfires

(50 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 19:06:02

Just received the alert about three minutes ago.

Dickens Fri 14-Aug-26 19:06:24

Yes, it made me jump, too...

midgey Fri 14-Aug-26 19:07:09

It’s says it’s for Wales! I don’t live in Wales……

JaneJudge Fri 14-Aug-26 19:07:15

yes
we were warned by a local councillor though about 2 hours ago

it is so dry here sad why anyone would have a fag or bbq is beyond me

Oldbutstilluseful Fri 14-Aug-26 19:07:49

Yes[, me too. Good to know the system works, but not the reason for it

Jaxjacky Fri 14-Aug-26 19:08:04

Yes, South Hampshire.

JaneJudge Fri 14-Aug-26 19:08:11

midgey it's for other places too who are in whatever zone of dryness - amber and above most probably

MaizieD Fri 14-Aug-26 19:08:20

Me too. My phone's under a pile of washing so I didn't connect the beeps with it...thought it was DH's laptop going a bit mad.

Mauduit24 Fri 14-Aug-26 19:08:22

So did I . Nearly scare the living daylights out of me. Dig deep enough into your settings and you can switch the alerts off

Grandmadinosaur Fri 14-Aug-26 19:09:00

Yes had one here too.

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

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

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

Yes, just had it.

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.

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

Yes. Got it here in Norfolk.

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

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

And here in Essex

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.

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?

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

Yes received Nottingham

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.

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.

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

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

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.