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This year, England and Wales have faced a significant number of wildfires, with 1,017 incidents reported so far, matching the record set last year. The growing threat of fires has prompted the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST) to issue strict guidance regarding disposable barbecues. The department has stated that under the current conditions, such barbecues “cannot be considered a safe product” and should not be sold either in physical stores or online anywhere in Great Britain. This ban applies specifically to England, Scotland, and Wales, with Northern Ireland exempt from the restrictions.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the restrictions as “common-sense steps to protect lives and the environment.” Retailers across the country will receive instructions about the new rules, which will be regularly reviewed, according to Burnham, who spoke to the BBC. He also acknowledged that some of the wildfires currently burning in various areas may have been ignited by disposable barbecues. The prime minister added further context during an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, noting that there were currently 37 active fires in England and Wales, including four major incidents. He warned the public: “Britain is a tinderbox right now. Setting a fire in any outdoor setting of any kind is a risk to other people’s homes, it’s a risk to other people’s lives, don’t do it, please don’t do it.”
Prior to the formal ban, many supermarkets and large retailers had voluntarily ceased sales of disposable barbecues under an agreement established in 2023 between fire chiefs and the British Retail Consortium. This arrangement advised retailers to halt sales during imminent extreme heat events or following reasonable, evidence-based requests from local councils. David Skaith, the Labour mayor for York and North Yorkshire, who has campaigned for a permanent ban on single-use grills, welcomed the decision. Speaking to the BBC, Skaith emphasized the dangers posed by disposable barbecues and expressed hope that the ban would be extended long-term.
In addition to the ban, Burnham revealed plans to enhance wildfire response capabilities, including the commissioning of firefighting aircraft similar to those used in Europe and the United States. Plans are also underway to provide emergency financial support to fire services currently battling wildfires. Burnham highlighted that the UK’s fire and rescue services are not yet fully equipped to handle such incidents, stating, “We have a fire and rescue service across the country that isn’t properly set up to deal with these incidents.” He praised the efforts of firefighters working under challenging conditions and stressed the need to address the “changing climate” by moving towards cleaner energy solutions. These remarks were made ahead of the appointment of Baroness Blake of Leeds as the new fire minister and during Burnham’s visit to Stourbridge to witness firsthand the damage caused by a recent wildfire. The region had experienced its hottest day of the year, with fires spreading rapidly through dry grass and homes, forcing residents to evacuate. West Midlands Ambulance Service treated 54 casualties across eight fires in the area, with 19 people requiring hospital care
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