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Millions startled by blaring emergency alert warning of 'very high' wildfire risk

The unexpected siren-like warning sounded on phones at 7pm, prompting startled reactions online as people were urged to avoid anything that could spark a wildfire

[A Government emergency alert seen on a mobile phone]

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The government emergency alertis seen on a mobile phone today(Image: Jeff Moore)

Brits were left shocked after millions across England and Wales were sent a blaring Government emergency alert tonight with a stark warning.

Phones sounded with the siren-like warning at around 7pm on Friday 14, with residents, and visitors urged not to do anything that could spark a blaze. It was the first time a national alert to phones had ever been used by the government, following tests in the past and regional warnings sent to devices.

The alert warned against disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators and fireworks, adding: Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.

People were also told to follow official updates and call 999 immediately if they spot signs of a fire. It comes as firefighters continue to tackle blazes across the country following weeks of exceptionally hot and dry weather, with ministers stepping up efforts to prevent further fires with a disposable barbecue ban.

[Andy Burnham also urged people to take the greatest of care as the country heads into the weeken]

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Andy Burnham also urged people to take the greatest of care as the country heads into the weekend(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

First Secretary Louise Haigh said: In response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires, the government has taken the decision to issue an Emergency Alert to England and Wales. This is the most extensive use of the UKs Emergency Alert system in response to an active incident, and 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 government will 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 warning follows a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, which the Government said posed a significant risk to the public in the current conditions. Guidance states they should not currently be supplied either in shops or online, with the restriction remaining under review as weather conditions change.

[A wildfire warning was sent today]

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A wildfire warning was sent today(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Andy Burnham also urged people to take the greatest of care as the country heads into the weekend, warning against lighting anything outdoors. He tweeted: "This evening, an Emergency Alert has been sent to people across England and Wales as the wildfire risk remains very high. The request came directly from Fire and Rescue Services. I was in Stourbridge today and saw first-hand the devastating impact these fires have had on peoples homes and lives.

" Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting. During this period of extreme heat, Im asking everyone to take extra care. Please do not light any fires in gardens, the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas. Our firefighters and emergency responders are working around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions. We can all help them. Please take the Emergency Alert seriously and follow the guidance in place."

[Britain has been battered by heatwaves in recent months, facing its fifth of the year in what the Met Office say is the hottest summer on record. ]

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Fire crews continue to work at the scene near the burnt out remains of homes following a huge fire in Stourbridge(Image: Getty Images)

Mr Burnham, who has previously dealt with wildfires in Greater Manchester, said the scale of the destruction had shocked him. He said: Ive never seen anything like it. I mean, I dealt with wildfires in Greater Manchester, but nothing on this scale. Ive never seen scenes like this in Britain, where you just see a whole house gutted, smouldering.

The sudden warning quickly sparked reaction online, with some people admitting the loud alarm had caught them off guard.

One X user said: now why the hell did no one say we were getting an emergency alert. thought the f**king world was ending the way i just heard the entire streets phones blaring from my garden

Another said: this alert scared me so bad my heart rate spiked to like 190 and I passed out on my kitchen floor i need my propranolol

One user in Wales also complained about the language used in the message, writing: Why would they send an emergency alert with no English translation at all???? This is not practical at all???? Not every Welsh person is fluent????

The Emergency Alerts system was launched in April 2023 and allows warnings to be sent directly to compatible mobile phones where there is a danger to life. It has previously been used during major incidents including Storm owyn in January 2025, when around 4.5million people across Scotland and Northern Ireland received an urgent warning over extreme weather.

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