- Millions of people across England and Wales received an emergency alert on their phones, warning against lighting anything that could spark a fire, the Cabinet Office has said.
- The Government sent the alert on Friday evening, beginning at 7pm, warning against barbecues, campfires, and fireworks, and urging recipients to report fires immediately to 999.
- This is the most extensive use of the emergency alert system to date, according to the Cabinet Office.
- The prime minister warned that Britain 'is a tinderbox right now' with the public set for a 'difficult weekend', and announced a ban to be enforced immediately, remaining in place as long as the risk of wildfires remains high.
- The military was called in to assist stretched emergency services in the south, with about 100 personnel deployed and about 100 more due to arrive on Friday evening, distributing water, moving equipment and personnel and providing logistical support.
- It has been a record year of wildfires in England and Wales: the number of incidents so far this year has passed the 1,017 of 2025, and fire services have declared 11 major incidents in the last 24 hours.
- First Secretary of State Louise Haigh stated that the government issued the alert in response to the continued risk of wildfires, calling it the most extensive use of the UK’s emergency alert system in response to an active incident.
- Haigh urged people to take simple steps to limit fire risk and mentioned the deployment of 100 additional military personnel in major incident areas.
- The Communities Secretary expressed gratitude to first responders, noted that firefighters were taken to hospital, and announced a summit with fire chiefs and other organisations to look at future response.
- The Communities Secretary assured residents affected by fires, especially those who lost homes and possessions, that the government will work with the mayor and local leaders to provide support.
Millions of people across England and Wales received an emergency alert on Friday evening, warning against activities that could ignite wildfires, including barbecues and fireworks. The alert, which began at 7pm, is the most extensive use of the UK’s emergency alert system to date.14
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh stated, “In response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires, the government has taken the decision to issue an emergency alert to England and Wales.” She emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that fire services have declared 11 major incidents in the last 24 hours.
The government has deployed 100 military personnel to assist emergency services, which are currently stretched due to the record number of wildfires this year, surpassing the total incidents of 2025. The Prime Minister warned that Britain “is a tinderbox right now,” indicating a challenging weekend ahead for residents.56
Authorities have urged the public to report any fires immediately by calling 999 and to adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate further risks. Haigh added, “During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires.”
The government is committed to supporting communities affected by the wildfires, ensuring that those who have lost homes receive necessary assistance.
“The alert, sent Friday at 7pm, is the most extensive use of the UK's emergency alert system to date, with 100 additional military personnel deployed in major incident areas. Fire services have declared 11 major incidents in the last 24 hours, and the number of wildfires this year has already surpassed 2025's total of 1,017.”
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The Guardian
