The British government is actively considering a ban on disposable barbecues as a measure to combat the escalating risk of wildfires, intensified by the ongoing summer droughts. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that single-use grills have been identified as the cause of numerous recent blazes, urging the public to refrain from using them at this time.

This potential ban comes as the nation grapples with record-breaking temperatures and widespread drought conditions. Nearly three-quarters of England and the entirety of Wales have been officially declared to be in drought, creating an environment where fire can spread rapidly. The Met Office has issued a rare amber extreme heat warning for Thursday, forecasting temperatures to reach the mid-to-high 30s Celsius across the Midlands and southeast England, with a possibility of hitting 38C.

Burnham, who is chairing an emergency Cobra meeting to discuss the government's response to the heatwave, indicated that a ban on disposable barbecues is "certainly going to be considered." He emphasized the need for the public to exercise "the greatest possible care" when in the countryside, specifically mentioning both cigarettes and temporary barbecues as significant fire risks.

The Prime Minister did not specify whether the proposed restriction would target the sale of disposable barbecues or their usage in public spaces. However, the call for action has gained traction, with a Labour MP having written to major retailers urging them to halt sales for the remainder of the summer. Several Liberal Democrat MPs have also voiced support for restrictions, and the National Farmers Union has advocated for local councils to implement public space protection orders to limit their use in public areas.

Several local authorities have already taken steps to ban single-use grills in recent years. Brighton and Hove, and Fylde in Lancashire, are among the councils that have utilized public space protection orders, which can result in fines of up to £100 for those who defy them. Issuing such orders typically requires prior consultation with residents and evidence of an ongoing risk to the quality of life in the affected area.

The emergency Cobra meeting is set to include ministers from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Home Office, and the Department for Health, alongside representatives from the Environment Agency. A Downing Street spokesperson acknowledged the significant challenges faced by firefighters, farmers, and NHS staff due to the extreme weather.

This is the first Cobra meeting on heatwaves this year to be chaired by Prime Minister Burnham, although officials previously convened one in June. At that time, under the previous administration, specialist firefighters were deployed to key locations across England to address wildfire risks, and fire forces were encouraged to utilize government funding for equipment upgrades.

The Green Party had previously called for a Cobra meeting on the heatwaves, with leader Zack Polanski criticizing the government's perceived inaction on threats to public health and food supplies. The party has also advocated for the creation of more accessible public "cool spaces" to help mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.