Disposable barbecues have been temporarily banned from sale across England, Scotland, and Wales amid fears they pose a significant risk to the public as drought and heatwave conditions continue to grip the UK. The government announced the ban, stating that these single-use grills have been the cause of numerous serious wildfires throughout the summer months.

The measure comes as the country grapples with extreme weather, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham describing Britain as a "tinderbox." Fire crews have been battling multiple blazes, with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) recording 1,017 wildfires in England and Wales this year, matching last year's record.

According to advice published by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST), disposable barbecues are not considered safe products in the current climate and must not be made available for sale, either in-store or online. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated that these steps are common-sense measures to protect lives and the environment. The ban is subject to review and retailers will receive guidance on the change.

Prime Minister Burnham emphasized the severity of the situation, reporting 37 fires across England and Wales at the time of the announcement, with four classified as major incidents. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution, highlighting that any open fire in outdoor settings poses a risk to homes and lives. "Britain is a tinderbox right now," Burnham told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Many large retailers and supermarkets had already voluntarily suspended sales of disposable barbecues under a framework agreed in 2023 between fire chiefs and the British Retail Consortium. This agreement stipulated that retailers should halt sales once an extreme heat event is declared imminent or in response to evidence-based requests from local councils.

David Skaith, the elected Labour mayor for York and North Yorkshire, has been advocating for a ban on single-use grills and urged the Prime Minister to make the current ban permanent. He told the BBC that the risks posed by disposable barbecues are well-known and that the ban is "much-needed" and "much-called-for."

Prime Minister Burnham also indicated plans to commission firefighting planes, similar to those utilized in other European countries, suggesting a need for enhanced resources to combat increasingly frequent and severe wildfires.

The ongoing wildfires have caused significant damage, with reports of houses being destroyed in areas like Stourbridge. Firefighters are facing challenges in tackling these blazes, and the long-term impact of the prolonged dry spell on the landscape and public safety remains a significant concern.