The UK government has imposed a temporary ban on disposable barbecues due to fears they could spread wildfires during the ongoing heatwave. The Prime Minister warned that the country is a "tinderbox right now" as Britain recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 38.1C (100.4F).
Shops will begin receiving guidance to withdraw single-use grills from sale. This measure is being introduced as firefighters are currently battling approximately 37 blazes across England and Wales, with four of these classified as major incidents. The Prime Minister stated it is "probable" that some of these fires have been caused by disposable barbecues, emphasizing the risks associated with outdoor fires during the current conditions.
"Setting a fire in any outdoor setting of any kind is a risk to other people's homes. It's a risk to other people's lives. Don't do it. Please don't do it," the Prime Minister urged.
During a visit to Stourbridge, which was impacted by a significant blaze, the Prime Minister also announced plans for the government to commission firefighting planes to help combat the spread of wildfires. He described the scenes as unlike anything he had witnessed before in Britain, with homes gutted by fire. The Prime Minister acknowledged that the climate is changing and the country must adapt.
Government advice published online indicated that disposable barbecues have been responsible for several serious wildfires over the summer months. The advice states that these barbecues cannot be considered safe in the current weather and environmental conditions and must not be made available for sale. The guidelines will be reviewed and rescinded once weather conditions sufficiently reduce the risks.
The ban follows incidents such as a grass fire in Mitcham, south London, which required eight fire engines and approximately 60 firefighters. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade warned against using disposable barbecues in parks and open spaces, noting that they pose a significant fire risk, as do improperly discarded cigarettes.
Wildfires have caused considerable damage, with at least six homes destroyed and up to 30 properties damaged in Stourbridge, West Midlands. Residents described witnessing flames spread rapidly, consuming homes and other structures. A child and three firefighters were among those taken to the hospital due to the incidents. In Staffordshire, six firefighters were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion while fighting wildfires.
The chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council reported that the fire service is under significant pressure, with 11 major incidents declared across the UK. The extreme heat is expected to continue in parts of England, with temperatures forecast to reach between 29C and 34C.
Several railway services have issued "essential travel only" alerts or canceled services due to the extreme weather. This year has seen multiple days with temperatures exceeding 35C, 36C, and 37C, setting new records. The heatwave is projected to continue into the weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching 30C in southern England before gradually cooling at the start of next week.
A heat health alert remains in effect for much of England, warning of increased demand on health services and a potential rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions. Officials have advised the public to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable individuals, and avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Recent polling suggests that nearly a quarter of Britons have observed disposable barbecues abandoned in public spaces. Additionally, over a third have seen discarded glass bottles in parks and on beaches, posing another potential fire hazard. One company is piloting a service to deliver free chilled water in parks to encourage the use of reusable bottles and reduce litter.