The UK government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, citing a 'significant risk to the public' amidst a fifth round of heatwave conditions. Temperatures exceeded 38°C yesterday, marking the hottest day of the year so far. The ban applies to both in-store and online sales, as the single-use grills have been linked to numerous serious wildfires across the country during the summer.
Government Cites Wildfire Risk in Nationwide Ban
According to advice published online by the government, '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 The guidelines will be kept under review and withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies once weather conditions improve significantly.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham had hinted earlier in the week that such a measure could be introduced. He has urged the public to take 'the greatest of care' and 'don't light anything in an outdoor space right now', including cigarettes.
Devastating Wildfires Hit West Midlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Last night, hundreds of firefighters tackled wildfires in the West Midlands, forcing residents to flee their homes. Several people, including emergency responders, were hospitalised. In Stoke-on-Trent, blazes that broke out around 5pm yesterday caused some people to 'lose everything', including their homes.
Burnham said he has 'never seen anything like it', recalling meetings 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,' he added.
Government to Deploy Firefighting Planes
Speaking from Stourbridge, Burnham announced that the government will commission firefighting planes to combat the spread of wildfires. He noted that 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,' he said.
The ban and emergency measures come as the UK continues to experience extreme heat, with authorities urging the public to exercise caution to prevent further fire outbreaks.
