Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has called for a UK-wide ban on disposable barbecues following a series of wildfires in the region. He urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further incidents, which have caused significant damage to moorland and posed risks to public safety.
Wildfires in Greater Manchester
Over the past month, firefighters in Greater Manchester have battled multiple wildfires, including a major blaze on Saddleworth Moor that destroyed over 1,000 hectares of land. The fires were believed to have been started by disposable barbecues left unattended in dry conditions.
Burnham said that the current regulations, which only restrict the use of disposable barbecues in certain areas, are insufficient. He argued that a complete ban would be the most effective way to protect the environment and prevent future incidents.
Call for Government Action
In a letter to the Environment Secretary, Burnham wrote: "The recent wildfires have been devastating for our communities and wildlife. I urge the government to introduce a nationwide ban on disposable barbecues to prevent such disasters from happening again."
He also called for increased public awareness campaigns and stricter penalties for those who ignore existing rules. The Mayor's proposal has received support from environmental groups, who have long campaigned for a ban on single-use barbecue products.
Impact and Next Steps
The wildfires have had a severe impact on local air quality and wildlife habitats, with many rare species affected. The cost of fighting the fires has been estimated at £2 million, and the recovery process is expected to take years.
The government has not yet responded to Burnham's letter, but a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that they are "considering all options" to address the issue. Burnham has vowed to continue campaigning for the ban, and he plans to raise the matter in Parliament later this month.
