The Government has imposed a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to the current heatwave conditions and after multiple houses were gutted as a result of wildfires.
Government advice on disposable barbecues
The single-use grills "have been the cause of a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months", according to advice published online by the Government. It further stated: "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."
The new advice published on the Government's website reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product. They should not be made available for supply 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 These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
Arrests and fires in Stoke-on-Trent
A 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a large fire in Stoke-on-Trent, according to Staffordshire Police. The force stated the arrests were in connection with a grass fire at around 4.15pm on Thursday at the rear of Maureen Avenue, Goldenhill, which spread rapidly. Four homes were impacted, along with several gardens, the force said, but fire crews have since got the blaze under control. The force stated that inquiries have "progressed at pace" and the man and woman, both from Stoke-on-Trent, were arrested on Friday morning.
Detective Inspector Emma Kempson said: "We are continuing to work at pace to investigate the circumstances surrounding yesterday's fire, which has culminated in the arrests today. Goldenhill Community Centre on Drummond Street was set up to provide support to evacuated individuals and others affected. We're now working alongside Stoke-on-Trent City Council and have moved the location to Goldenhill Working Men's Club on Mobberley Road. We've still got a number of officers in the area today and I can assure the local community we are actively working to investigate this surge in recent fires across Staffordshire."
Impact on patients and communities
A total of 54 patients have been treated by paramedics – including 19 who were taken to hospital – as a result of wildfires in the West Midlands, the region's ambulance service said. Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham had hinted that such a measure could be implemented.
