Firefighters are battling three “significant incidents” in South Wales as wildfires continue in the region.
The military has been called in to help the fire crews, with the fire service attending wildfires in Blaenavon, Merthyr Tydfil and Ferndale.
Local residents have been advised to close windows and doors. Fires are also affecting Kettering, in Northamptonshire, with the blaze covering 200 metres squared of grassland.
Prime minister Andy Burnham yesterday sent out an emergency alert to phones across England and Wales about the wildfire threat.
Phil Garrigan, chair of the National Fire Chiefs’ Council said on Saturday morning that there had been 43 wildfires over the past 24 hours, adding: “We’re very much still in the thick of it, very much still on the front line of climate change.”
There have been major incidents in Wales, Hampshire and Stourbridge.
19 homes were destroyed and a further 18 damaged in a huge fire in Stourbridge, West Midlands.
Key Points
- Burnham sends in army to battle wildfires in South Wales
- Firefighters battling blaze in South Wales
- Firefighters fighting wildfire in Kettering
- 2026 'doesn't really compare' to previous years, fire chief warns
- Fire services urge people not to call 999 to report on others having barbecues
Prince William thanks emergency services for 'working tirelessly'
22:35 , Holly Bancroft
The Prince of Wales has thanked emergency services for “working tirelessly” to battle wildfires across the country.
William said his thoughts are with all those affected, including those who have lost their homes in blazes.
His message comes after wildfires caused devastation across large parts of the UK, including in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, where 19 homes were destroyed.
In a personal statement, the prince said: “To the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers battling wildfires across the UK, thank you.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly those who have lost their homes, and with those working tirelessly to protect communities, homes and the countryside.”
The message was signed with a W to indicate it had come from the prince himself.
Around 100 military personnel have been deployed to a large area across South Wales to help battle wildfires.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the helpers will offer “critically needed” support. On Friday the government also announced a ban on disposable barbecues, while millions of people in England and Wales received an alert on their mobile devices warning them of “a very high risk of wildfires nationally”.
Andy Burnham visits Cornish farm as he unveils funding package for farmers hit by drought
22:04 , Holly Bancroft
Andy Burnham said the government has a “long way to go to build back trust” with farmers, and that the UK needs to “guarantee our own food production going forward”.
It comes as the Prime Minister unveiled a £65 million funding package for farmers, amid fears hot, dry weather could drive up food prices on supermarket shelves.
Food producers have been facing a multitude of challenges in recent weeks as large areas of the country experience a series of heatwaves, little rainfall and drought.
Many have been forced to harvest crops early, while others are seeing lower yields and lower quality produce, following the driest July on record.
Government needs to win back trust of farmers, says Andy Burnham
Video shows Stourbridge wildfire tearing along the railway line
21:39 , Holly Bancroft
Fire Brigades Union call for investment in services
21:07 , Holly Bancroft
Steve Wright, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), has called for more investment in fire and rescue services as wildfires continue around the UK.
Posting on X on Saturday, Mr Wright said he had spoken with housing secretary Angela Rayner on Friday to raise the need for support for fire services.
He said: “I raised the points the FBU has been making throughout the summer and before: we need investment in our fire and rescue services, including the commitment to 5,000 additional firefighters, to meet the growing risks our communities face.
“We also discussed the emergency wildfire summit called for by the FBU, which the government has committed to. We need to use it to build resilience and ensure we are better prepared for wildfires, flooding and the extreme weather events we as firefighters are increasingly dealing with.
“This summer’s fires are another reminder that this is about having the personnel and resources in place before disaster strikes - not after.”
Recap: Four boys arrested on suspicion of arson as wildfire spreads in South Wales
20:42 , Holly Bancroft
Four 14-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a “deliberate fire” was set on a mountain in South Wales.
South Wales Police is investigating the fire that was set on the mountain near Pleasant Heights in Porth.
The teenagers have since been bailed under investigation, the force added.
“These incidents put communities at risk, can impact people’s health, threaten wildlife, and divert emergency resources away from people who need us,” Detective Inspector Steve Jones said in an update on Facebook.
Four boys arrested on suspicion of arson as wildfire spreads
Stop calling 999 to report neighbours having barbecues, fire services say
19:59 , Holly Bancroft
Do not call 999 to report neighbours having barbecues unless there is an emergency; fire services have warned following an influx of calls.
Millions of people in England and Wales received an alert on their mobile devices on Friday evening, warning them of “a very high risk of wildfires nationally”.
The UK’s mobile phone alert system told the public it “should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks”.
The alert was “the most extensive use” of the UK’s mobile phone alert system, Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh said.
Read more here:
Stop calling 999 to report neighbours having barbecues, fire services say
Some residents allowed to return to evacuated houses in Stourbridge
19:25 , Holly Bancroft
West Midlands fire service are now updating residents about whether they can return to their homes in Stourbridge.
Residents are being asked to head to the turn of Worcester Lane/ Pedmore Court road with a proof of address. An emergency services officer will then tell the resident if it is safe to return to their property, or if further assessment of the property needs to be made.
In an update posted to Facebook, the service said: “You must follow all instructions given by emergency services personnel on scene. We understand that this has been an extremely difficult and distressing time.”
In pictures: Military support fire service in South Wales
19:02 , Holly Bancroft
Soldiers from one of the UK’s standby battalions joined fire fighters to tackle wildfires in the region this week.
Around 200 military personnel were deployed to South Wales following a request from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) for logistical, operational and planning support as crews tackled ten large fires across the region.
The personnel came from one of the UK’s three standby battalions, held at high readiness to support emergency services and local authorities during major incidents.
Personnel from the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistical Regiment, with headquarters support from 22 Royal Engineers. Around 100 personnel were initially deployed, with a further 100 expected to follow.
Their main task was to provide logistical support, including water distribution, helping to free firefighters and specialist responders to focus on frontline firefighting. They also assisted with moving equipment, supplies and personnel to ensure resources reached critical locations quickly.
Military teams supported emergency services in accessing remote and difficult terrain, improving their ability to respond to the ongoing fires, the MoD said.
Met Office names top 10 areas where it will rain next week — full list
18:41 , Holly Bancroft
Rain is forecasted to hit the UK on Monday, according to Met Office predictions.
The news comes after a summer of extreme heat, where five back-to-back heatwaves and record numbers of wildfires have placed increasing pressure on emergency services across the country.
Thursday was reported to be the country’s hottest day this year, with a total of 40 locations across central and southern England recording temperatures of 36C or higher.
But now, Monday is set to bring respite from the heat, with the Met Office sharing: "Rain is on the way from Monday afternoon, bringing a change after recent dry weather."
Read more here:
Met Office names top 10 areas where it will rain next week — full list
Fire in Saddleworth Moor now extinguished
18:16 , Holly Bancroft
The moorland fire in Saddleworth, near Holmfirth road in Oldham, has been extinguished, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have said.
Fire crews will remain at the scene to check for hot spots over the next 24 to 48 hours. The moor fire broke out on Wednesday evening, with eight fire engines rushed to the scene.
At its height, the fire covered an area measuring 500m by 150m.
Train disruption expected for rest of the day between Sheffield and Liverpool Lime Street
18:08 , Holly Bancroft
A fire next to the track between Stockport and Chesterfield is disrupting trains on the Norwich/ Nottingham/ Liverpool Lime Street route, East Midlands Railways has said.
Emergency services are on site to manage the incident. In a post on X, East Midlands Railway said that disruption is expected for the rest of the day between Sheffield and Liverpool Lime Street.
Breaking: Fire near Totney rail tunnel in Sheffield disrupting train services
18:03 , Holly Bancroft
Four fire crews are attending a fire by Totley rail tunnel in Sheffield, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have said.
They have advised people living in the area to keep their windows and doors closed.
East Midlands Railway have also said that trains are not running between Stockport and Chesterfield due to a fire next to the track.
Devon and Somerset receiving high volume of 999 calls about BBQs
17:40 , Holly Bancroft
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have said that they are receiving a high volume of 999 calls about bonfires, BBQs and smoke in the area.
They have asked people to only call 999 if there is an emergency. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service have stressed that people should only call 999 if there is a “fire producing significant smoke”.
They added: “We are unable to respond to reports of neighbours having BBQs, or bonfires”.
Devon and Somerset are also receiving a high level of 999 calls for bonfires and BBQ's and smoke in the area. Please only call 999 if there is an emergency https://t.co/HxPTzeDXcn
— Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (@DSFireUpdates) August 15, 2026
Bishop of Dudley speaks about evacuating home due to fire in Stourbridge
17:13 , Holly Bancroft
The Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick, has spoken about how he had to evacuate his home due to wildfire in Stourbridge.
He told Times Radio: “I was at home with my wife Catherine...and saw an enormous plume of smoke, I have to say”.
Asked what he did after he was evacuated, he said: “Finding my own place to live to start, which was what about 400 people were having to do overnight.
“We set up Stourbridge town hall, the council set that up.
“A call came in, could we find bedding for 150 people, and the community really rallied together, churches and mosques.
“Within an hour we had 150 [amounts of] bedding, and people could find a place to sleep.”
“It’s very strange to live out of two carrier bags. We’ve been to two friends houses but you don’t want to overstay, and we’re at another tonight”.
He warned: “This could happen anywhere in England today....If this is the new normal, we need to wake up to it.”
Firefighters fighting wildfire in Kettering
16:54 , Holly Bancroft
Four fire engines are tackling a wildfire near the River Ise, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have said.
The fire is affecting both sides of the riverbank near Valley Walk and Deeble Road in Kettering, the service said. They believe that it started shortly before 1pm on Saturday afternoon.
In a statement, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters are working to extinguish the fire, which covers an area approximately 200 metres by 200 metres. In addition to the four fire engines, a support vehicle and water carrier are also in attendance.
“Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep their windows and doors closed”.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service currently has four fire engines tackling a wildfire near the River Ise.
— Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue (@northantsfire) August 15, 2026
The fire, which is affecting both sides of the riverbank near Valley Walk and Deeble Road in Kettering, is believed to have started shortly before 1pm (August 15). pic.twitter.com/ep9qhvrQuk
This year 'doesn't really compare' to previous years, fire chief warns with 2026 breaking fire records
16:39 , Holly Bancroft
Chair of the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, Phil Garrigan, has told Sky News that there have been 43 wildfires over the past 24 hours, adding: “We’re very much still in the thick of it, very much still on the front line of climate change.”
He said that there have been major incidents declared in Wales, Hampshire and Stourbridge. He told the broadcaster this morning: “We’ve still got crews deployed into those areas both at a local level, a regional level, and a national level. We’re still in high speed conditions. We’ve had 11 major incidents declared over the course of the last couple of days, which has stretched fire and rescue services resources considerably.
“Every fire service in the country is still dealing with the threat of wildfire, and even last night we had 43 wildfires occurred across the UK in the last 24 hours. So we are very much still in the thick of it, and we are very much still on the front line of climate change.”
He added that this year “doesn’t really compare”, saying: “It’s close to 2025 figures, but we’ve surpassed them and it’s only August. So we’re anticipating it being significantly higher than it was in 2025, and that was the highest number of wildfires on record.”
Firefighters battling blaze in South Wales
16:31 , Holly Bancroft
Firefighters are battling three “significant incidents” in South Wales as wildfires continue in the region.
The fire service are attending wildfires in Blaenavon, Merthyr Tydfil and Ferndale. Military personnel and an army helicopter are supporting firefighters in Cwmavon, Torfaen council has said.
Local residents have been advised to close windows and doors. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have declared a major incident.
Police are also investigating a “deliberate fire” on the mountain near Pleasant Heights, Porth - and on Friday arrested four 14-year-old boys on suspicion of arson.
Watch: Andy Burnham pleads for public caution at scene of Stourbridge fire
15:30 , Alex Croft
Timeline of past emergency alerts
15:00 , Alex Croft
- 8 January 2026 - Cornwall and Isles of Scilly during Storm Goretti
- 7 September 2025 - England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as test alert
- 23 January 2025 - Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland for Storm Éowyn
- 6 January 2025 - River Soar at caravan parks near Barrow upon Soar due to severe flooding
- 6 December 2024 - Parts of Wales and the south west of England during Storm Darragh
- 23 May 2024 - River Roe and River Ive from Highbridge to Stockdalewath for severe flooding
- 23 February 2024 - Plymouth for the transportation of a WWII bomb found in Keyham
- 23 April 2023 - Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland as a test
- 29 June 2021 - Reading as a test
- 25 May 2021 - East Suffolk as a test
Autumn rain may not alleviate drought conditions, says Met Office
14:31 , Alex Croft
Autumn rainfall is not guaranteed to reverse the drought conditions affecting most of England and all of Wales, the Met Office has warned.
Chief meteorologist Will Lang said rain is on its way, but there remains a question mark over how much would fall.
In a bone-dry summer, rainfall totals for July have been as low as 1 per cent of the expected average, in the South East. Some parts of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex did not have a single rain day for 59 days.
These conditions have brought 71.3 per cent of England into drought, according to the Environment Agency. Natural Resources Wales has declared a drought across the whole of Wales.
Mr Lang said: “Having seen virtually no rainfall in southern parts of the UK, we will see some rainfall.
“‘How much?’ is the question. The answer is probably not too much compared with our forecast,” he told PA. “It’s looking like the overall amount of rain will still be below normal for the time of year.”
He continued: “Looking forward into the autumn, though, that’s when we’d normally see a change of conditions. We do see wetter and windier conditions and we will see more rainfall.
“Again, ‘how much?’ is the question – and whether that’s enough to alleviate things like the current drought problems, we don’t know yet.”
In pictures: Stourbridge left scorched by West Midlands wildfires
14:01 , Alex Croft
Sadiq Khan warns Burnham not to 'slow down on net zero'
13:29 , Alex Croft
Andy Burnham has been warned not to “slow down on net zero” by London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who argued the heatwave and wildfires showed the need for action on climate change.
The prime minister has acknowledged the devastation caused by the extreme weather is due to climate change but has faced criticism over his stance on North Sea oil and gas, after promising a “pragmatic” approach which won praise from Donald Trump, who supports new drilling in the area.
Sir Sadiq, who has been nominated for a life peerage, called for “reassurance” from Mr Burnham’s government that there would be no shift away from commitments to end reliance on fossil fuels, demanding international “action over apathy” on climate change.
In a sign of tensions within Labour over the issue, Sir Sadiq said the planet was in a “deeply precarious position”.
“And that’s why we need reassurance from the Government that they won’t slow down on net zero or reducing our reliance on oil and gas and that they’ll continue accelerating the green investment we need to get our country and planet back on track,” he said.
He said national governments around the world ”must choose action over apathy and commit to delivering Net Zero, reducing our reliance on oil and gas, and investing in the large-scale green projects we urgently need to cut emissions, adapt to extreme heat, and protect communities from flooding and wildfires”.
Prince of Wales thanks emergency services for wildfire response
13:00 , Alex Croft
The Prince of Wales has thanked the emergency services for their response to the wildfires across the country.
In a statement, William said: “To the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers battling wildfires across the UK, thank you.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly those who have lost their homes, and with those working tirelessly to protect communities, homes and the countryside. W”.
Recap: Multiple homes completely destroyed after huge West Midlands fires
12:30 , Alex Croft
Nineteen homes were completely destroyed in the West Midlands after a large wildfire rapidly spread into buildings during the UK’s hottest day of the year.
Huge blazes across the region led to “apocalyptic” scenes, thousands of 999 calls and evacuations, with residents told to “stay away” from their homes as firefighters work to tackle the blaze.
In addition to the 19 homes that were destroyed in Stourbridge, a further 18 were damaged as the fire spread over more than 500 acres.
Crews are still working to tackle the blaze which has left a “significant” number of residents displaced.
Read more here:
Multiple homes completely destroyed after huge West Midlands fires
Burnham facing fresh calls to block North Sea oil and gas drilling
11:58 , Alex Croft
Andy Burnham is facing fresh calls to block new drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea, after he said “we have to face up to the changing climate”.
Environmental campaigners have warned extraction from the Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field will pave the way for extreme heat in the years to come.
The Prime Minister told reporters on Friday that he wanted to see an acceleration in the transition towards fossil fuel-free energy sources.
He was speaking in Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where 19 houses were fully destroyed and 18 damaged in a wildfire this week.
Almost three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales are in drought, and 2026 is the first year on record to see three separate days where temperatures reached the 37C threshold, as well as the first year with four days at 36C or above.
“We have to face up to the changing climate and I think we need a different debate about that,” Mr Burnham said.
“There’s no point denying where we are – we need to face up to it.
“We need more clean energy.
“We need to see that transition accelerate.”
Mr Burnham has faced pressure from Washington DC to approve drilling in the North Sea.
Burnham sends in army to battle wildfires in South Wales
11:33 , Alex Croft
As we reported earlier, Mr Burnham has sent in the military to help deal with wildfires across the UK.
“Britain is a tinderbox right now”, the prime minister said, with “37 fires smouldering around the country”.
He said 100 military personnel – from Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, supported by the 22 Engineer Regiment – had been deployed to South Wales to offer “critically needed” support to fight fires throughout the region.
Among their equipment are four water bowsers, each capable of storing and transporting 20,000 litres of water, and a further 100 members of the Armed Forces were deployed on Friday evening.
Aerial firefighting capacity, such as helicopters to dampen flames, will be commissioned at a national level, Mr Burnham added.
Alert disrupts BBC Proms
10:30 , Alex Croft
The UK government alert went off just as BBC Proms was due to play Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’.
The Gov alert went off just before “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” was played at the BBC Proms pic.twitter.com/apnTgd7BXj
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) August 14, 2026
Fire services urge people not to call 999 to report on others having barbecues
09:30 , Alex Croft
Fire services have urged people not to call 999 to report people having barbecues unless there is an emergency following the Government’s alert about wildfires.
The UK’s mobile phone alert system was used on Friday evening to warn people not to light anything which could spark a wildfire, including barbecues and garden incinerators.
Surrey Fire & Rescue Service was among those experiencing a “high volume” of 999 calls.
In a statement on X, the service said: “Please only call 999 if there is an emergency or a fire producing significant smoke.
“We understand residents may be concerned, but we are unable to respond to reports of neighbours having BBQs, bonfires or campfires in their gardens unless there is an emergency.”
The service said it supported the Government’s message and advised against bonfires, fireworks, campfires or disposable barbecues in the dry conditions.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it appreciated the public’s “vigilance”, but in a statement on Facebook asked people to call 999 only if there is “a genuine emergency or an immediate risk to life, property or the environment”.
That message was echoed by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who asked for 999 calls only to report “a new emergency”.
Rayner's department to meet with fire chiefs
08:25 , Alex Croft
Angela Rayner, the communities secretary, said that her department will hold a summit for fire chiefs and the firefighters union to look at future responses to wildfires
“As well as supporting firefighters on the ground now, my department will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other key organisations to look at our future response.
“To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life’s possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor and local leaders to make sure you are supported.”
Rupert Lowe's Restore UK issues disparaging response to weather alert
07:55 , Alex Croft
A Restore Britain Government will not interrupt your Friday evening to tell you it’s hot outside.
— Restore Britain (@RestoreBritain) August 14, 2026
Councillor whose dad's house caught fire urges public to heed alert's warning
06:00 , Bryony Gooch
Mike Sammon, Liberal Democrats councillor for Cambridge Ward, Southport, has urged the public to heed the government alert’s warning after his father’s house caught fire.
“Yesterday my Dad’s house caught fire following a neighbour’s disposable bbq. He is okay and the fire brigade arrived quickly, but he has had to move out whilst the insurance deals with the fire damage. The Government alert this evening is a warning we should all take seriously.”
Yesterday my Dad’s house caught fire following a neighbour’s disposable bbq.
— Cllr Mike Sammon (@Mike_Sammon) August 14, 2026
He is okay and the fire brigade arrived quickly, but he has had to move out whilst the insurance deals with the fire damage.
The Government alert this evening is a warning we should all take seriously. pic.twitter.com/fq2HtTyn0n
Police force reports increase in 999 calls reporting BBQs since alert
Friday 14 August 2026 22:30 , Bryony Gooch
South Yorkshire Police has reported and increase in number of 999 calls reporting barbecues since alert.
“Earlier today the Government sent out a national alert, advising people not to light anything that could cause a fire. This is due to the risk of fire spreading because of the dry hot conditions we have been experiencing recently.
“Our Force Control Room has seen an increase in the number of calls this evening since the alert, reporting things such as BBQs. This has caused a great demand on our control room, and has resulted in a delay of our staff answering emergency calls.
“If you suspect someone has started a fire deliberately, you can report them to Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558. This is anonymous.
“Please only call 999 if there is an emergency happening right now.You can call 101 or use our online reporting service for other non-emergency incidents.”
Rayner's department to meet with fire chiefs
Friday 14 August 2026 22:09 , Bryony Gooch
Angela Rayner, the communities secretary, said that her department will hold a summit for fire chiefs and the firefighters union to look at future responses to wildfires
“As well as supporting firefighters on the ground now, my department will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other key organisations to look at our future response.
“To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life’s possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor and local leaders to make sure you are supported.”
Minister supports emergency alarm amid backlash
Friday 14 August 2026 21:56 , Bryony Gooch
Northern Ireland’s secretary of state Chris Bryant has expressed support for the emergency alert.
“Sitting at home in the Rhondda where we have had daily fires threatening homes and lives and acrid smoke affecting the elderly with firefighters working round the clock for a fortnight I fully support the emergency alarm.”
Sitting at home in the Rhondda where we have had daily fires threatening homes and lives and acrid smoke affecting the elderly with firefighters working round the clock for a fortnight I fully support the emergency alarm.
— Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) August 14, 2026
Zarah Sultana calls on Burnham to take fossil fuels profiteers to task
Friday 14 August 2026 21:45 , Bryony Gooch
Zarah Sultana, the Your Party MP for Coventry South, has called on Andy Burnham to take fossil fuel billionaires to task rather than banning disposable barbecues.
“Here’s a thought: Instead of blaming disposable BBQs, how about actually taking on the fossil fuel billionaires driving the climate crisis?
“Fund our fire and rescue services properly. Invest in resilience. Stop expanding North Sea oil and gas. Stop backing Heathrow expansion.
“And stop letting AI data centres guzzle millions of litres of water every day. Or is it solely just vibes?”
Here’s a thought:
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) August 14, 2026
Instead of blaming disposable BBQs, how about actually taking on the fossil fuel billionaires driving the climate crisis?
Fund our fire and rescue services properly. Invest in resilience. Stop expanding North Sea oil and gas. Stop backing Heathrow expansion.… https://t.co/dpmHZ6NL3P
'Thought WW3 was about to kick off' says Tory MP
Friday 14 August 2026 21:30 , Bryony Gooch
The Conservative MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston has criticised the use of an emergency alarm for wildfires.
Neil O’Brien said: “Thought WW3 was about to kick off but it is just a message saying not to set stuff on fire. Bizzare.”
Thought WW3 was about to kick off but it is just a message saying not to set stuff on fire. Bizzare.
— Neil O'Brien (@NeilDotObrien) August 14, 2026
Disposable barbecues banned as wildfires rage across UK
Friday 14 August 2026 21:15 , Bryony Gooch
Disposable barbecues banned as wildfires rage across UK
Former government chief of staff criticises 'poor comms judgement'
Friday 14 August 2026 21:00 , Bryony Gooch
A former government chief of staff, Samuel Coates, has said the government alert was a “poor comms” judgement as his train carriage screamed with alarms.
“Poor comms judgement sending a severe alert with wildfires advice. My central London train carriage suddenly screamed with alarms on everyone’s phones (two times each) about something that had zero urgency here. Other countries routinely send normal SMS for government guidance.”
Poor comms judgment sending a severe alert with wildfires advice.
— Samuel Coates (@samuelcoates) August 14, 2026
My central London train carriage suddenly screamed with alarms on everyone’s phones (two times each) about something that had zero urgency here.
Other countries routinely send normal SMS for government guidance. pic.twitter.com/aG5Tuxgq4H
Fire Brigade Union calls for 5,000 more firefighters
Friday 14 August 2026 20:45 , Bryony Gooch
Following an emergency alert sent to millions, the Fire Brigade Union has issued a call for 5,000 more firefighters.
“The FBU have been sounding the alarm for years. We need proper and immediate investment in wildfire PPE, resources and training for every fire and rescue service in the country.
“We need 5,000 more firefighters now.”
The FBU have been sounding the alarm for years.
— Fire Brigades Union (@fbunational) August 14, 2026
We need proper and immediate investment in wildfire PPE, resources and training for every fire and rescue service in the country.
We need 5,000 more firefighters now. pic.twitter.com/TqxAyG9F1x
Multiple homes completely destroyed after huge West Midlands fires
Friday 14 August 2026 20:30 , Bryony Gooch
Multiple homes completely destroyed after huge West Midlands fires
Countryside Alliance praises government's emergency alert
Friday 14 August 2026 19:57 , Bryony Gooch
Mo 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."
When was the last time an emergency alert was sent out?
Friday 14 August 2026 19:54 , Bryony Gooch
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.
Prime minister urges Brits to take alert seriously
Friday 14 August 2026 19:50 , Bryony Gooch
Prime 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.”
