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

Emily Bashforth | Live News reporter Published August 14, 2026 7:12pm Updated August 14, 2026 7:19pm An emergency alert was issued amid the fifth heatwave (Picture: Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire) Millions were sent into panic tonight as an emergency alert appeared unexpectedly on their phones. At around 7pm, people across