Government issues temporary ban on disposable barbecues with guidance issued to retailers amid UK wildfires

The government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues amid ongoing heatwave and drought conditions, warning that the single-use grills pose a “significant risk” to the public and environment.

New government advice states that disposable barbecues have been responsible for a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer and should not currently be supplied either in-store or online.

The guidance says the combination of current drought and heatwave conditions means the foreseeable use of disposable barbecues “cannot be considered a safe product”, with the advice to remain under review.

The ban will affect retailers selling disposable barbecues, including independent retailers, who have been advised not to make the products available while the temporary measures are in place.

Bira, alongside other retail groups, has asked the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) for clarification on the duration of the ban and when it is expected to be reviewed.

The government action comes as wildfires continue to put pressure on fire and emergency services, with six firefighters taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion while tackling fires across the West Midlands.

Paramedics have also treated more than 50 people across the region, including 19 who were taken to hospital as a result of the blazes.

The warnings follow the UK’s hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures exceeding 38C in London, while firefighters have urged the public to take responsibility for preventing further fires.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said people should not light an open fire “of any kind” during the current conditions and should dispose of cigarettes carefully, warning that reckless behaviour could put other people’s homes and lives at risk.

The guidance is available to read in full here.

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