Islanders have been told not to undertake activities that could start a fire – including using firepits, garden incinerators and fireworks – as immediate measures are introduced amid a severe wildfire risk across the country, including here on the Isle of Wight.
An Emergency Alert was sent to millions of mobile phones across England and Wales tonight (Friday), warning residents, landowners and visitors of the severe risk and urging them to avoid anything that could spark a blaze.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is also urging people not to light campfires or bonfires while conditions remain dry and to take extreme care with smoking materials. A camp fire is thought to be the cause behind the Headon Warren blaze, which destroyed around 60 acres of much-loved heathland.
Those choosing to have a barbecue (or pizza oven) at home are being told to have water at hand and to ensure it is positioned away from vegetation, fences and sheds.
Motorists are also being warned not to park on dry grass, with the fire service highlighting that the underside of a vehicle can be over 400c.
The warnings come as the fire service reveals that more wildfires have already been recorded across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this year than during the whole of 2025.
The ongoing heat is adding to the concern, with IW Met Service revealing this evening that the mercury reached 35.1c in Newport today. Yesterday (Thursday), an even higher temperature of 36.3c was recorded in Northwood.
The Government warning, which began being issued on a rolling basis from around 19:00, said:
“There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally.
“Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks.
“Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.”
People have been told to follow official updates and call 999 immediately if they see signs of a fire.
The alert represents the most extensive use of the UK’s Emergency Alerts system in response to an active incident.
Alongside the warning, the Government has introduced an immediate temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. Retailers have been told to remove disposable barbecues from sale immediately, with the measure remaining in place while the heightened wildfire risk continues.
However, the Government material does not state that the use of disposable barbecues, conventional barbecues or outdoor pizza ovens has been legally banned nationwide.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has highlighted the distinction, saying the new statutory guidance relates to the sale and distribution of disposable barbecues and does not go as far as banning their use.
The service is nevertheless urging anyone who already has a disposable barbecue not to use it in the countryside, parks or other open spaces.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Shantha Dickinson has said:
“We welcome the publication of the Government’s new statutory guidance on disposable barbecues, which is an important step in reducing the risk of fires in our countryside, green spaces and communities.
“So far this year we have already seen more wildfires in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight than we did in the whole of 2025.
“While these new temporary guidelines are a positive development, they relate only to the sale and distribution of disposable BBQs, they do not go as far as banning the use of them.
“We would like to urge everyone who has already purchased a disposable BBQ to help us prevent fires in the countryside, parks and other open spaces by not using it.
“Disposable BBQs are just one potential ignition source, during periods of hot and dry weather, any heat source has the potential to start a fire.
“Just a single discarded cigarette or sunlight reflecting through a glass bottle can quickly escalate into a serious wildfire, causing significant damage to wildlife and the countryside, putting lives at risk, and placing further pressure on already stretched emergency services.”
The Government’s wider response to the wildfire threat includes emergency funding for fire and rescue services facing the greatest operational pressures.
Military assistance has also been deployed in South Wales, with around 100 soldiers already on site and a further 100 due to arrive this evening. The personnel will provide general logistical support and water distribution, as well as helping to move equipment, supplies and personnel in support of the emergency services.
The temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues will remain under review while the heightened wildfire risk continues.
