Millions of people across England and Wales received an emergency alert on their phones, warning of a serious risk of wildfires nationally, as the government urged caution during a period of extreme heat. The alert, which was sent on Friday, marked the most extensive use to date of the emergency alert system, with phones emitting a siren noise and a warning message. Deputy Prime Minister Louise Haigh stated that the government was acting to safeguard people and property, and asked the public to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires.
The warning comes as the UK experiences a record year of wildfires, with the number of incidents surpassing 1,017, the total recorded in 2025. Fire services have declared 11 major incidents in a 24-hour period, starting on Thursday. In response to the crisis, the prime minister announced a temporary national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, to be enforced immediately, and warned that Britain was "a tinderbox right now", with the public facing a "difficult weekend".
The military has been deployed to assist stretched emergency services in south Wales, with 100 personnel distributing water and providing logistical support, and a further 100 due to arrive. The government has also urged people not to light barbecues, campfires, or fireworks, and to call 999 immediately if they spot a fire. Andy Burnham visited Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where homes were destroyed and residents injured by a series of fires. The government will continue to provide assistance to communities impacted by the fires, including the deployment of additional military personnel in major incident areas.
Haigh emphasized the importance of public cooperation, stating that by following safety guidance, everyone can play a part in protecting local communities and supporting frontline services. The government's actions reflect the seriousness with which they are addressing the wildfire risk, and the need for collective action to prevent further incidents. As the situation continues to unfold, the public is advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent wildfires.
