Burnham temporarily bans disposable barbecue sales in ‘tinderbox’ Britain

Britain has enacted a temporary, nationwide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, a measure aimed at mitigating the extreme fire risks currently plaguing the country. The military has also been brought in to support efforts in combating wildfires, as Prime Minister urged the public to exercise extreme caution this weekend.

Speaking from Stourbridge, where at least 19 people were hospitalized due to eight fires that ravaged several homes, the prime minister declared the temporary ban on disposable barbecues effective immediately. He appealed to retailers to withdraw the products from sale, describing the wildfires as "absolutely devastating." "Please think about the situation we are in," he stated. "Britain is a tinderbox right now. Setting a fire in any outdoor setting is a risk to people's homes and other people's lives."

“

Please think about the situation we are in. Britain is a tinderbox right now. Setting a fire in any outdoor setting is a risk to people's homes and other people's lives.

While not all of the 37 fires across Britain were attributed to barbecues, the prime minister acknowledged that some were "probable" causes. Government advice highlights that single-use grills have been responsible for numerous serious wildfires during the summer months. The advice emphasizes that "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."

Plans are also underway to commission firefighting planes, similar to those used in Europe and the US, to combat the spread of wildfires. The prime minister acknowledged the need for the country to "face up" to the "changing climate." He also indicated that emergency financial support for fire services battling wildfires is being developed. The coming weekend is expected to be challenging, with hotter and drier conditions potentially lasting through September and October, raising concerns about subsequent flooding due to dry ground.

“

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.