UK government issues emergency alert warning of extreme wildfire risk

The Guardian · first seen 14.08.2026 · updated 14.08.2026

Millions of mobile phones across England and Wales received an emergency alert warning of a serious national wildfire risk during extreme heat.

The UK government sent an emergency siren alert to millions of mobile phones in England and Wales.
Deputy Prime Minister Louise Haigh stated this was the most extensive use of the emergency alert system to date.

Sources

The Guardian — Emergency alert warning of wildfire risk sent to phones in England and Wales
The Guardian — Burnham temporarily bans disposable barbecue sales in ‘tinderbox’ Britain

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