Emergency wildfires alert causes chaos on live TVAn emergency alert is being 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.Bryony Gooch14 August 2026 20:02Rupert Lowe responds to emergency alertRestore leader Rupert Lowe expressed criticism of the emergency alert on X:“A nationwide alert telling us to not start a fire where the entire field could ignite. OBVIOUSLY. I hate the Government so very much.”Bryony Gooch14 August 2026 19:59Countryside Alliance praises government's emergency alertMo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs for the Countryside Alliance said: “It is right there’s been an emergency mobile phone alert warning of growing wildfire threat. "The government must now work with moorland managers, gamekeepers and emergency services to ensure all tools are available to fight wildfires spreading."This includes controlled burning which has, wrongly, been severely restricted. Thank you to everyone involved in fighting these fires and protecting our rural communities."Bryony Gooch14 August 2026 19:57Complaints come as alert sent in Welsh to non-Welsh readersSome people on social media have complained after emergency alerts were sent in Welsh to people who don’t speak or read the language.One user on X said: “Had an emergency alert - totally understand them being bilingual but it was only in Welsh for myself and my mothers phone so if it was a real emergency that we had to act quickly over we’d be f***ed.”Bryony Gooch14 August 2026 19:56When was the last time an emergency alert was sent out?The government last sent an emergency alert to those in Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly in January when Storm Goretti tore through the south west of England.Previously, a test alert was sent last September across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.Bryony Gooch14 August 2026 19:54Prime minister urges Brits to take alert seriouslyPrime minister Andy Burnham has urged people to “take the emergency alert seriously”, adding: “Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting.”“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 people’s homes and lives.“Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting.“During this period of extreme heat, I’m 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.”Bryony Gooch14 August 2026 19:50Public react as emergency alert issued to millions over wildfires threatBritons had a mixed reaction to receiving an emergency alert from the UK government at 7pm on Friday night.Read the highlights here.Bryony Gooch14 August 2026 19:48Full message of emergency alert sent to millionsHere is the full message sent by the government:“Severe alert“Issued by the UK Government“There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks. Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.“Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999. Search gov.uk/alerts for more information.”Bryony Gooch14 August 2026 19:47