Mobile phones across Stafford sounded an Emergency Alert at around 7pm this evening as the Government warned people about the continuing risk of wildfires.
The alert was sent across England and Wales on Friday 14 August following a request from Fire and Rescue Services.
It warned people not to light anything that could start a fire, including barbecues, campfires and fireworks.
Anyone who sees a fire is being urged to call 999 immediately.
Most extensive use of the system for an active incident
The Government said the message was sent on a rolling basis from around 7pm and described it as the most extensive use of the UK Emergency Alert system in response to an active incident.
The alert comes after a prolonged period of hot and dry weather which has left grassland, heathland and woodland particularly vulnerable to fire.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the request to issue the alert came directly from Fire and Rescue Services.
He said: “Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting.”
He added: “During this period of extreme heat, I’m asking everyone to take extra care. Please do not light any fires in gardens, the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas.”
Recent wildfires in Staffordshire
Staffordshire has already experienced a number of significant outdoor fires during the recent hot weather.
A major wildfire on Cannock Chase earlier this month destroyed around 15 hectares of heathland in the Sherbrook Valley area.
Staffordshire County Council said another fire in the same area destroyed around 21 football pitches of heathland habitat, with countryside teams continuing to damp down hotspots after firefighters left the scene.
The council said earlier this week that the wildfire risk remained exceptionally high across Staffordshire.
Residents have been urged not to use barbecues, campfires or other open flames in country parks and other countryside areas.
Disposable barbecue ban introduced
The Government has also announced a temporary nationwide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues while the heightened wildfire risk continues.
Retailers have been told to remove them from sale immediately.
Additional support is also being provided to fire and rescue services facing the greatest pressure, while military personnel have been deployed to help with wildfire response and recovery in some parts of the country.
Mr Burnham thanked firefighters and emergency responders working in difficult conditions and urged people to take the alert seriously.
He said: “We can all help them. Please take the Emergency Alert seriously and follow the guidance in place.”
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