UK Wildfire Crisis:
Emergency Alert Sent to Every Phone in England & Wales
The UK Government has issued a national Emergency Alert as wildfires spread across the country — banning BBQs nationwide, deploying 200 military personnel and unlocking emergency funding for fire services overwhelmed by the crisis.
PHONES 19:01
The Exact Message Sent to Your Phone
At 7:01pm tonight, a government Emergency Alert was broadcast to every mobile in England and Wales. This is what it said:
Cabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh confirmed: “This is the most extensive use of the UK’s Emergency Alert system in response to an active incident.”
What the Government Has Announced
Alongside the alert, ministers confirmed an immediate multi-agency response package. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “It is awful to see the devastation fires have caused across the country” — acknowledging that firefighters have been hospitalised in the line of duty.
100 Armed Forces deployed immediately to South Wales. A further 100 confirmed for deployment tonight to assist fire response and community recovery operations.
Existing £97 million commitment to fire service training and equipment confirmed. The Bellwin Scheme is now activated — fire-hit communities can claim emergency recovery costs.
Retailers across England and Wales have been directed to remove disposable barbecues from shelves with immediate effect. The ban continues while risk remains very high.
A national wildfire summit has been announced for later in the year to review long-term preparedness across England and Wales.
The Open Flame Ban — What You Cannot Do
The ban goes well beyond shop shelves. Under Public Spaces Protection Orders now authorised across high-risk areas, councils can issue fines for violations. Here is what is prohibited:
All outdoor open flame activity is now banned
This covers: disposable barbecues, portable firepits, garden incinerators, campfires, bonfires and fireworks — in gardens, parks, open countryside and all public spaces across England and Wales.
Even a single spark in current dry conditions can ignite a wildfire that spreads faster than emergency services can contain it, threatening lives, homes and wildlife.
What the Wildfire Warning Means for Sussex
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has confirmed the Fire Severity Index is exceptionally high across Sussex — including the South Downs National Park, heathlands around Brighton, Chichester and the wider county.
The South Downs is among the most fire-vulnerable landscapes in southern England during hot, dry spells. Heathland and chalk grassland fires can spread faster than a person can run and are extremely difficult to contain once established.
West Sussex and East Sussex Fire & Rescue are urging all residents and visitors to treat the nationwide ban as absolute. If you see any smoke or fire in open countryside, heathland or woodland: call 999 immediately and do not approach.
What to Do — and What to Avoid
Do not light any fire outdoors
BBQs, campfires, firepits, incinerators, bonfires and fireworks are all banned. No exceptions — this applies in private gardens as well as public spaces.
Do not discard cigarettes outside
A single discarded cigarette on dry grass is enough to trigger a wildfire in current conditions. Extinguish fully before any disposal.
Do not park on dry grassland
Hot vehicle exhausts and catalytic converters can ignite parched grass. Use tarmac and designated parking surfaces only.
Do not buy a disposable barbecue
Retailers have been instructed to remove them from sale. Attempting to purchase or use one is subject to enforcement under new Public Spaces Protection Orders.
If you see fire or smoke — call 999 immediately
Do not wait to assess whether it will spread. Rapid reporting gives firefighters the best chance of containing a wildfire before it grows beyond control.
Check gov.uk/alerts for live updates
The situation is developing. Check the official government alert page before any outdoor activity this weekend across England and Wales.
Follow Sussex fire service advice
West Sussex and East Sussex Fire & Rescue may issue area-specific guidance at short notice. Monitor their websites and social channels for local updates.
Airport Transfers During the Wildfire Alert
Wildfire incidents can trigger road closures and traffic diversions across rural Sussex at short notice — particularly on routes through the South Downs and Gatwick corridor. If you have a flight this weekend, do not leave transport to chance.
Sussex Airport Taxis provides pre-booked, fixed-price transfers to Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton and all major airports from Brighton and across the county. Our drivers have full knowledge of local routes and can adapt quickly when road conditions change due to emergency incidents.
Book Your Airport Transfer →Current Situation
The Emergency Alert is active across all of England and Wales. The nationwide BBQ and open flame ban is in immediate effect. 200 military personnel are now deployed or deploying to assist fire response in South Wales and other hardest-hit communities. The Bellwin Scheme for emergency recovery costs is open.
A national wildfire summit has been confirmed for later in 2026 to review long-term preparedness and fire service resourcing.
This page will be updated as the situation develops. For live government updates check gov.uk/alerts.
Verified Government Sources
For live updates, the full alert text and official government guidance on the wildfire crisis:
GOV.UK — Live Emergency Alerts →