The Government sent an emergency alert to mobile phones across England and Wales on Friday evening, warning millions of people not to light anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks. The alert began appearing on devices from 7pm, in what Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh described as "the most extensive use of the UK's emergency alert system in response to an active incident."
Prime Minister urges seriousness
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the public to take the warning "seriously," noting it was triggered at the request of firefighters. His comments came after visiting Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where a wildfire destroyed 19 homes on Thursday, the hottest day of the year so far. The Stourbridge blaze spread across more than 500 acres, with the West Midlands Fire Service called to "hundreds and hundreds of incidents," according to chief fire officer Simon Tuhill.
Friday provisionally marked a record-breaking 10th day in 2026 with temperatures exceeding 35C, according to the Met Office. Frittenden, near Ashford in Kent, was among the hottest places, reaching 35.3C. In the West Midlands, Mr Burnham described Britain as "a tinderbox right now" with "37 fires smouldering around the country."
Military support and alert details
In South Wales, around 100 military personnel from the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, supported by the 22 Engineer Regiment, have been deployed to support rescue and recovery efforts. Their equipment includes four water bowsers, each capable of storing and transporting 20,000 litres of water. A further 100 Armed Forces members were set to be deployed on Friday evening.
The alert read: "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. Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999."
Government response and heat alerts
Ms Haigh said the decision to send the alert "reflects the seriousness with which the Government is acting to safeguard people and property." She added: "During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires. By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe."
Angela Rayner, the Communities Secretary, said her department would hold a summit with fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs' Council, the Fire Brigades Union, and other key organisations to look at future response. She said: "To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life's possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor and local leaders to make sure you are supported."
The Prime Minister earlier announced a temporary ban on disposable barbecues in England, Wales, and Scotland, effective "until further notice." Aerial firefighting support, such as aeroplanes and helicopters, will be "commissioned nationally." Heat health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remain in place until 10am on Saturday across London, the South East, the South West, the East of England, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands.
