Emergency alert RECAP: Millions receive emergency wildfire alert on their phones as barbecues banned

NewsUK NewsLIVE EVENT ENDEDUpdated 6 mins agoThe alert went off at 7pmThe alert went off just after 7pm (Image: Unknown )Updated 20:50, 14 Aug 2026Millions of people across England and Wales have received an emergency alert this evening (August 14) warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire.The alert, which went out just after 7pm, flashed up with a loud alarm and repeated vibrations for around ten seconds.The warning includes barbecues, campfires, and fireworks the Cabinet Office said.Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, 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 UK’s emergency alert system in r