Britain sends emergency warning to millions of residents over fires

UK authorities sent an emergency warning to the mobile phones of millions of residents in England and Wales on the evening of 14 August due to a high risk of wildfires. The alert went out at around 19:00, accompanied by a distinctive loud siren sound from the Emergency Alerts system.

In the message, officials warned about a serious risk of wildfires and urged residents not to light campfires, use disposable barbecues, or launch fireworks or other items that could start a fire. If you spot a fire, Britons were advised to call 999 immediately.

First Secretary of State Louise Hay called the mass alert the largest use of the UK emergency alert system in response to a real emergency. Authorities said this was due to prolonged heat, drought, and a large number of fires occurring simultaneously.

The Emergency Alerts system can send warnings directly to compatible phones connected to 4G and 5G networks. No app or registration is required to receive a message. The phone can emit a siren-like sound and vibrate even in silent mode.

The fire situation in the country this year has been record-breaking. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, by mid-August, the UK had recorded 1,085 wildfires. This already surpasses the figure for all of 2025, when 1,017 such incidents were recorded.

A particularly severe situation occurred in Stourbridge in the West Midlands. A major fire destroyed 19 homes and damaged a further 18. Officials also reported dozens of other fires that rescue services are fighting simultaneously.

To assist firefighters, the military has been brought in to deal with the emergency. Around 100 troops were sent to South Wales for logistical support, delivering water and equipment, and helping overstretched emergency services. Authorities planned to send additional forces there.

Amid the situation, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. The restriction is to remain in place while the wildfire risk remains high. He urged residents to avoid any open flames outdoors during the dangerous period.

UK authorities stress that in drought conditions, even a small ignition source can quickly lead to a large-scale fire. Official advice also includes retreating to a safe place immediately upon spotting a wildfire and not attempting to extinguish a large fire on your own.

Based on materials from: The Guardian, Financial Times, UK Government