Thousands of people have backed calls for the sale of disposable BBQs to be banned across the UK amid concerns they pose a growing risk to public safety, wildlife and the environment. More than 5,000 people have already signed an online petition launched by Marissa Pysarczuk urging the UK Government to introduce a nationwide ban on the sale of single-use disposable barbecues.
The petition, posted on the Petitions Parliament website, will be entitled to a written response from the UK Government at 10,000 signatures of support. At 100,000, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
Wildfire concerns
In the petition, the campaigner argues that disposable BBQs are "increasingly linked to preventable wildfires", putting people, wildlife and emergency services at risk. Ms Pysarczuk is calling on the UK Government to ban the sale of disposable BBQs across the UK, encourage the use of reusable alternatives and work with retailers to help phase out single-use outdoor cooking products.
The campaign comes as large parts of the UK continue to experience hot, dry weather, with fire services repeatedly warning that even a small spark can quickly develop into a fast-moving wildfire. In Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extended a very high wildfire warning across central, eastern and southern parts of the country until Friday when light rain is expected to fall across most of the country.
Firefighters recently attended a wildfire in the Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park, while crews also tackled a grass fire at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin urged people to avoid lighting outdoor fires or barbecues in affected areas, warning that "a single spark can cause significant damage" and adding: "There is no such thing as a harmless fire."
Incidents on beaches
On Thursday, East Lothian Countryside Rangers issued a warning after a disposable barbecue caused significant damage to sand dunes at Yellowcraig beach. Images shared by East Lothian Council Countryside Rangers on social media showed an empty foil barbecue container surrounded by a large area of charred gorse. The Countryside Rangers said they are continuing to find people using barbecues despite warnings that even "the smallest spark can start a fire".
The post on Facebook said: "Despite our warnings, and the media coverage around the wildfires in The Cairngorms and Arthur's Seat, we are still finding people having fires and barbecues in the countryside. Even the smallest spark can start a fire during this prolonged dry period. Please help us to protect East Lothian's beautiful countryside and DO NOT light fires or barbecues during periods of high wildfire risk."
Environmental and safety arguments
The debate over disposable BBQs has intensified in recent years as hotter, drier summers have increased concerns about wildfires. Campaigners argue the products can remain dangerously hot long after they have been used, creating a fire risk if they are discarded before they have fully cooled. They also point to the environmental impact of single-use products and the cost of dealing with fires that can destroy habitats and tie up emergency service resources.
The issue has already been raised in Parliament. During a Westminster Hall debate on climate resilience earlier this month, MPs highlighted the growing threat posed by wildfires. Labour MP Alison Hume suggested it was time to consider banning disposable BBQs in public areas after referring to fires that have affected parts of England and Wales.
Government stance
The UK Government has previously said it has no plans to introduce a national ban, arguing that councils already have powers to prohibit disposable BBQs on land they manage, while National Parks and National Landscapes can also restrict fires where necessary. The UK Government has also pointed out that retailers are encouraged through voluntary guidance to limit sales during periods of extreme heat or heightened wildfire risk.
Scotland has also seen calls for tighter controls. A petition lodged with the Scottish Parliament sought an immediate ban on the sale and use of disposable BBQs north of the border, while MSPs have also highlighted incidents believed to have been caused by the careless disposal of barbecues during periods of high wildfire risk. Marissa Pysarczuk's petition remains open until December, giving supporters several more months to help it reach the first milestone.
