The UK government is facing criticism after deploying an emergency alert system to millions of mobile phones across England and Wales, warning against the risk of wildfires. The alert, which sounded at 7 p.m., advised people not to light anything that could spark a fire, such as barbecues, campfires, or fireworks.
Critics described the alert as "needless panic," with some individuals reporting that their phones received the warning multiple times. The system's largest-ever use since its introduction in 2023 caused confusion and concern among the public, interrupting broadcasts and leading to widespread social media commentary. "They just used the nuclear warfare alarm over a barbecue," one user posted on X.
In Wales, a significant portion of the population reported confusion as the initial message was sent in Welsh, a language spoken by only about a quarter of the country. An English version was reportedly not sent for several minutes, leading to bewilderment and attempts to find Welsh speakers for translation in public places. Richard Williams, 77, described scenes of "pandemonium" in a pub where English drinkers could not understand the alert.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the alert was issued at the direct request of firefighters due to a very high wildfire risk. He urged the public to take the warning seriously, emphasizing the devastating impact of recent fires, including one in Stourbridge that destroyed 19 homes. "Our firefighters and emergency responders are working around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions. We can all help them," Burnham wrote on X, urging adherence to safety guidance.
Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh confirmed the government's decision, stating it reflected the seriousness with which the administration was acting to safeguard people and property during a period of extreme heat. The alert was part of broader efforts to combat wildfires, which have included the deployment of 100 additional military personnel to major incident areas and a ban on disposable barbecues. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner announced a forthcoming summit to address future responses to wildfires.
Recent wildfires, exacerbated by a heatwave, have led to significant damage. The Stourbridge blaze, which spread across more than 500 acres, prompted emergency services to investigate a potential link to Year 13 students lighting barbecues and burning notepads after receiving exam results. While no direct evidence has been found, fire investigators remain open-minded. The extreme heat has also been linked to other incidents, including two train derailments.
Temperatures have reached highs of over 35.3C (95.5F) in parts of England, marking the tenth day in 2026 that temperatures have exceeded this threshold. Heat health alerts were in place across several regions, including London and the South East, until Saturday morning.