The government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, as they pose a 'significant risk to the public'. The measure comes amid a fifth round of heatwave conditions for the UK, with temperatures exceeding 38°C yesterday, marking the hottest day of the year so far.
Government advice on the ban
Advice published online by the government said the single-use grills 'have been the cause of a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months'. It added: 'Disposable barbecues cannot be considered a safe product in the context of the ongoing weather and environmental conditions and must not be made available for sale either in store or online at the current time.'
'These guidelines will be kept under review and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.'
Prime Minister's warning
Prime Minister Andy Burnham had suggested earlier in the week that such a measure could be introduced. The Labour leader has further urged the public to take 'the greatest of care' and 'don't light anything in an outdoor space right now', such as cigarettes.
Last night, hundreds of firefighters tackled wildfires in the West Midlands, forcing people to flee their homes. Several were hospitalised, including emergency responders.
Impact on communities
Stoke-on-Trent has also been 'devastated' by blazes that broke out at around 5pm yesterday, causing some people to 'lose everything', including their homes. Burnham said he has 'never seen anything like it', recalling meeting with families whose properties were completely gutted by fire.
'We understand how difficult this is for everybody, and we will put in place the support to help people get back to where they should be as soon as possible.' Speaking from Stourbridge, he added that the government will commission firefighting planes to combat the spread of wildfires, as, while 'a system of mutual aid is in play at the moment' between fire and rescue services, there are 'so many incidents' requiring support.
'But that obviously wasn't available here, but it will be available elsewhere, and it would have made a difference.'
