A parliamentary petition demanding an immediate nationwide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has gathered more than 8,700 signatures, as major wildfires continue to scorch moorland across Britain. Launched by Marissa Pysarczuk on June 15, the petition calls on the Government to outlaw single-use disposable BBQs entirely, promote safer reusable alternatives, and work with retailers to phase out these products.
Petition triggers Government response threshold
Once the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government must issue a formal written response; 100,000 would trigger consideration for a parliamentary debate. Ms Pysarczuk's petition states that disposable barbecues are “increasingly linked to preventable wildfires” that threaten public safety, wildlife and emergency services, while generating unnecessary waste. She wrote: “With increasing pressure on waste management systems and growing climate-related fire risk, we believe action is needed to reduce avoidable harm caused by these products.”
Wildfires continue to burn across the UK
Firefighters remain locked in protracted battles against some of the worst wildfires Britain has seen in years. A major incident is still in force on the moors above Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, and neighbouring Tintwistle Moor in Derbyshire. The combined burned area has been compared to more than a thousand football pitches. In Scotland, the Cairngorms blaze forced the evacuation of Nethy Bridge residents, scorching around 25 square kilometres. It is expected to smoulder for weeks or months. Large fires have also struck the Rhinogydd mountains in north Wales, the Isle of Wight and multiple heathland and field sites across England.
Fire chiefs warn of wildfire risks
A National Fire Chiefs Council spokesperson warned earlier this month: “When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk. We’re asking everyone to take extra care outdoors, whether that’s avoiding disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks or moorlands, or making sure cigarettes are fully extinguished. A few simple actions can make a huge difference and help prevent fires before they start.”
Dry conditions heighten fire danger
Fire chiefs and environmental campaigners have repeatedly pointed to disposable BBQs as a common ignition source during prolonged hot, dry spells. The thin metal trays can remain hot for hours after use, and discarded units have been found at the seat of several recent grass and heath fires. With southern England receiving as little as 1% of its average July rainfall and large parts of the country under drought or “exceptionally severe” fire-severity warnings, the risk remains acute as a fourth heatwave approaches. Retailers continue to stock the cheap single-use kits despite voluntary restrictions introduced by some chains in previous hot summers.
The petition remains open until December 15. If it continues to gather signatures at the current rate, it is likely to force an official Government response within days. Fire services continue to urge the public to leave matches, disposable trays and camping stoves at home until the countryside is no longer tinder-dry.
