Millions startled by emergency alert with wildfire warning after UK blazes

| Live News reporter Published August 14, 2026 7:12pm Updated August 14, 2026 7:28pm An emergency alert was issued amid the fifth heatwave (Picture: Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire) Millions were sent into panic tonight as an emergency alert appeared unexpectedly on their phones. At around 7pm, people across England and Wales received a notification, warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks. It 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. Search gov.uk/alerts for more information.’ Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, said Friday’s message was ‘the most extensive use of the UK’s emergency alert system in response to an active incident’. The alert was issued in response to the risk of wildfires Haigh added that the government ‘took the decision’ to issue the alert ‘in response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires’. She said it ‘reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property’. ‘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.’ The alert follows the outbreak of several major blazes, including a wildfire in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, where 19 homes were destroyed. Communities were also left ‘devastated’ in Stoke-on-Trent after fires gutted houses and forced people to flee. Some of them lost ‘everything’. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.