The UK Government has temporarily banned the sale of disposable barbecues as the country faces severe heatwave, drought and wildfire conditions.
The decision comes amid a surge in serious wildfires across parts of the UK, with authorities warning that the combination of extremely dry vegetation, high temperatures and strong winds has created a dangerous environment for rapidly spreading fires.
Government guidance says disposable barbecues are currently considered unsafe because they have been linked to a number of serious wildfires. Retailers have been told that these single-use grills should not be made available for sale either in shops or online while the current conditions persist.
The move follows calls from Prime Minister Andy Burnham for retailers, both large and small, to withdraw disposable barbecues from sale. He has warned that the UK's dry landscape has become extremely vulnerable to fire and urged the public to avoid lighting open fires and to dispose of cigarettes responsibly.
The concern is not limited to forests and countryside. Recent wildfires have affected homes and communities, while firefighters and emergency services have faced increasing pressure responding to multiple incidents during the extreme weather. England and Wales have already experienced a very high number of wildfires this year.
Disposable barbecues can remain dangerously hot for hours after they appear to have been extinguished, creating additional risks when they are abandoned or disposed of carelessly. Previous fires in protected areas have also demonstrated the potential damage to wildlife, vegetation and the wider environment.
While the restriction is temporary, the latest decision is likely to reignite the wider debate over whether disposable barbecues should face permanent restrictions in the UK, particularly as extreme heat and prolonged dry weather become more frequent.
For now, the message from authorities is clear: during these exceptional conditions, protecting lives, homes, wildlife and the environment must take priority over outdoor barbecuing.
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