An emergency alert has been sent to phones across England and Wales as ministers scramble to tackle the growing threat of dangerous wildfires.
The alert, sent on a rolling basis from around 7pm to millions, warns people not to light anything that could spark a fire, including barbecues, campfires and fireworks. They are also urged to report any fire immediately by calling 999.
The message, which Andy Burnham said he been sent out at the request of the Fire and Rescue Services, comes as firefighters continue to battle blazes across parts of the country.
In response, the PM has also called in the military, announced a ban on disposable barbecues and warned smokers not to risk setting light to “tinderbox” Britain as he responds to the summer heatwave and wildfires.
The government also plans to commission firefighting planes, such as the ones used to douse flames in Europe and the US, to combat the spread of fires.
The alert follows the outbreak of several major blazes, including in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, where 19 homes were completely destroyed.
Recap: Fire services to receive more cash for help with their increasing responsibilities
Fire and rescue services will be given more cash to help with their jobs, Andy Burnham has said, adding that he will gather together firefighters for a summit at the end of summer to “make sure they are properly resourced going forwards make sure they are properly resourced going forwards”.
As he listed the measures the government was taking to deal with wildfires, the prime minister said: “The chancellor and the communities secretary at my request are convening emergency, financial support, a package of support, for fire and rescue services that have been significantly affected.”
Mr Burnham later added it is “clear the climate is changing” and the country has to “react accordingly”.
He said: “So I will convene at the end of the summer, a summit with fire and rescue services to make sure they are properly resourced going forwards.
“We’ve lost firefighters in recent years. I know it as a former mayor, from a very grassroots level, some of the pressures on our fire and rescue services. I can’t say today that we’ve done enough to fully resource them to deal with these type of incidents, and I want our firefighters to know that I understand how it seems from their point of view, and I’m going to convene that summit to make sure we get in place the right and support, including the aerial support, permanently if that is what they deem is needed.
“Obviously, there’s other adjustments that we need to make in relation to climate change. We might be in for a wet autumn and winter straight after this, because of El Nino and some of the issues there, which were reported to Cobra. So, after fire could come floods.”
Timeline of past alerts
- 8 January 2026 - Cornwall and Isles of Scilly during Storm Goretti
- 7 September 2025 - England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as test alert
- 23 January 2025 - Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland for Storm Éowyn
- 6 January 2025 - River Soar at caravan parks near Barrow upon Soar due to severe flooding
- 6 December 2024 - Parts of Wales and the south west of England during Storm Darragh
- 23 May 2024 - River Roe and River Ive from Highbridge to Stockdalewath for severe flooding
- 23 February 2024 - Plymouth for the transportation of a WWII bomb found in Keyham
- 23 April 2023 - Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland as a test
- 29 June 2021 - Reading as a test
- 25 May 2021 - East Suffolk as a test
Public react as emergency alert issued to millions amid wildfires
Surrey Fire and Rescue urges people to only dial 999 in an emergency
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has joined the growing voice of emergency service providers who have seen a high volume of 999 calls since the emergency alert went off after 7pm for millions.
“Please only call 999 if there is an emergency or a fire producing significant smoke. We have had a high volume of calls to our 999 control room this evening.
“We understand residents may be concerned, but we are unable to respond to reports of neighbours having BBQs, bonfires or campfires in their gardens unless there is an emergency.
“We support the Government's message on this and would strongly advise against having bonfires, fireworks, campfires or disposable BBQs during this period. Fires can spread quickly and become difficult to control, putting your home and neighbouring properties at risk.”
Police force reports increase in 999 calls reporting BBQs since alert
South Yorkshire Police has reported and increase in number of 999 calls reporting barbecues since alert.
“Earlier today the Government sent out a national alert, advising people not to light anything that could cause a fire. This is due to the risk of fire spreading because of the dry hot conditions we have been experiencing recently.
“Our Force Control Room has seen an increase in the number of calls this evening since the alert, reporting things such as BBQs. This has caused a great demand on our control room, and has resulted in a delay of our staff answering emergency calls.
“If you suspect someone has started a fire deliberately, you can report them to Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558. This is anonymous.
“Please only call 999 if there is an emergency happening right now.You can call 101 or use our online reporting service for other non-emergency incidents.”
Rayner's department to meet with fire chiefs
Angela Rayner, the communities secretary, said that her department will hold a summit for fire chiefs and the firefighters union to look at future responses to wildfires
“As well as supporting firefighters on the ground now, my department will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other key organisations to look at our future response.
“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.”
Minister supports emergency alarm amid backlash
Northern Ireland’s secretary of state Chris Bryant has expressed support for the emergency alert.
“Sitting at home in the Rhondda where we have had daily fires threatening homes and lives and acrid smoke affecting the elderly with firefighters working round the clock for a fortnight I fully support the emergency alarm.”
Zarah Sultana calls on Burnham to take fossil fuels profiteers to task
Zarah Sultana, the Your Party MP for Coventry South, has called on Andy Burnham to take fossil fuel billionaires to task rather than banning disposable barbecues.
“Here’s a thought: Instead of blaming disposable BBQs, how about actually taking on the fossil fuel billionaires driving the climate crisis?
“Fund our fire and rescue services properly. Invest in resilience. Stop expanding North Sea oil and gas. Stop backing Heathrow expansion.
“And stop letting AI data centres guzzle millions of litres of water every day. Or is it solely just vibes?”
'Thought WW3 was about to kick off' says Tory MP
The Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston has criticised the use of an emergency alarm for wildfires.
Neil O’Brien said: “Thought WW3 was about to kick off but it is just a message saying not to set stuff on fire. Bizzare.”
Disposable barbecues banned as wildfires rage across UK
