UK sends nationwide emergency alert as wildfires surge past previous records

Emergency alert and government response

Millions of mobile phones across England and Wales sounded a siren at approximately 7pm on Friday as the UK government issued its most extensive emergency alert to date in response to an active incident. The alert warned that "there is a very high risk of wildfires nationally" and urged people not to light disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks, noting that "even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk."

Deputy prime minister Louise Haigh said the government took the decision to issue the alert in response to the continued risk posed by wildfires.

This is the most extensive use of the UK's emergency alert system in response to an active incident, and reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property.

Prime minister Andy Burnham, who visited Stourbridge on Friday after homes were destroyed and residents injured by fires in the West Midlands, warned that Britain "is a tinderbox right now" and announced a temporary national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, effective immediately. The ban applies to England, Wales and Scotland but not Northern Ireland.

Wildfire scale and specific blazes

Firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales so far this year, including 185 in the first 10 days of August alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council. This exceeds the 748 recorded over the same period in 2022 and the 848 in 2025, both previously among the busiest years on record. The Guardian reported that the total number of incidents this year has already surpassed the 1,017 recorded for the entirety of 2025. Fire services declared 11 major incidents in the 24 hours preceding the alert.

Specific blazes include a fire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk that began on 29 July and spread to the neighbouring RSPB Minsmere reserve, prompting a major incident declaration. A 660-acre (270-hectare) peatland nature reserve at Holme Fen near Peterborough was hit, as was Kenninghall near Diss in Norfolk, where fire spread to nearby homes causing serious damage. Firefighters were also tackling an "unpredictable" fire in the New Forest, Hampshire, affecting an area the size of about 230 football pitches.

Military deployment and regional impact

The military was called in to assist stretched emergency services in south Wales. About 100 personnel were deployed with approximately 100 more due to arrive on Friday evening, distributing water, moving equipment and providing logistical support. Haigh confirmed the government would "continue to provide every assistance to communities being impacted by these fires, including the deployment of 100 additional military personnel in major incident areas."

The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the year, with weeks of little rain creating tinder-dry conditions. Suffolk's chief fire officer Jon Lacey urged the public to "remain vigilant" and avoid barbecues, bonfires or throwing cigarettes on the ground.

Public reaction and next steps

The alert drew mixed reactions. Some social media users complained about being alarmed on a Friday evening, while others reported receiving the message only in Welsh despite not speaking the language. Restore leader Rupert Lowe posted on X expressing frustration with the alert.

A nationwide alert telling us to not start a fire where the entire field could ignite. OBVIOUSLY. I hate the Government so very much.

Communities secretary Angela Rayner announced that her department will hold a summit on the future response to wildfires, bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs' Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other organisations.