A severe wildfire alert has been issued as the UK faces a period of heightened fire risk following weeks of hot and unusually dry weather.

The Government has warned that the risk of wildfires is now very high, meaning fires that start outdoors can take hold and spread quickly. People across the country are being urged not to undertake activities that could ignite vegetation, including using disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks.

The warning comes as the Government steps up its response to the growing wildfire threat. An Emergency Alert is being sent to people across England and Wales today, with ministers saying the measure is intended to protect communities as the risk remains very high. An immediate ban on disposable barbecues has also been introduced in England and Wales.

The latest intervention follows a prolonged period of hot, dry conditions. The Met Office issued an Amber Extreme Heat warning earlier this week, with temperatures expected to reach around 38°C in some areas. Much of southern and central England has experienced heatwave conditions, alongside continuing dry weather.

The country has already seen significant wildfire activity this summer. In Scotland, the Cairngorms wildfire, which began near Ryvoan Bothy and Glenmore on 15 July, has required a major multi-agency response involving hundreds of firefighters, helicopters, landowners and volunteers.

There are also ongoing firefighting efforts in the New Forest, where a heathland fire near the A31 began after a vehicle caught fire on 9 August. By 14 August, the incident was approximately 1.6 square kilometres in size, with 169 fire appliances from 93 fire stations having attended.

When was the alert introduced?

The latest Government action was announced on 14 August 2026, with the Emergency Alert being sent to people across England and Wales as part of a wider package of measures responding to the very high wildfire risk. The Government also announced funding and additional support for firefighters and communities affected by recent fires.

This follows earlier warnings throughout the summer. In May, the Government issued wildfire-prevention guidance highlighting that most wildfires in the UK are caused by human activity and warning that warm, dry weather can increase the risk. People were advised not to light fires in the countryside or open spaces and to follow local restrictions where they are in place.

The Forestry Commission also warned in July that England had entered a period of heightened wildfire risk following prolonged dry weather and heatwaves, with reduced rainfall, extreme temperatures and long dry periods contributing to conditions in which fires can spread more easily.

Why is the risk so high?

Dry vegetation provides fuel for fires, while high temperatures and a lack of rainfall can leave grassland, heathland, woodland and other areas particularly vulnerable to ignition.

The Government has stressed that even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire, potentially putting lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk. Officials are therefore asking people to think carefully before using anything that could create a flame or spark. The warning is particularly relevant to people visiting parks, woodlands, countryside and other open spaces over the coming days.

Anyone who spots a wildfire should move to a safe location and call 999 immediately, rather than assuming somebody else has reported it. People are also advised not to attempt to tackle a wildfire themselves or travel towards an affected area, as this can hamper emergency response efforts.

With the latest alert now in force and further hot, dry conditions having contributed to the heightened risk, authorities are urging the public to take the warnings seriously and help prevent fires from starting in the first place.