At 7:01pm on the 14th August 2026, phones in Ellesmere Port and surrounding areas recieved an emergency alert from the UK Government.
The blaring notification stated:
"There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks.
Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk."
Following the alert, disposables barbecues, firepits, fireworks, garden incinerators and any activity that could start a fire have been temporarily banned for the safety of yourself and others.
The ban comes after several wildfires across the United Kingdom have started and affected homes, businesses and emergency responders.
Some thoughts have already been shared online with one saying
"I think they should leave alerts for more important things, rather than wildfires".
With others describing how they "jumped out of [their] skin".
You should follow any official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999, to minimise the risk of a wildfire. Search gov.uk/alerts for more information.