**Temporary Ban on Sale of Disposable BBQs Due to Wildfire Risk**
In response to the heightened risk of wildfires amid ongoing drought and heatwave conditions, the UK government has announced a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. This decision, made public on August 14, 2026, comes as the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade highlighted the significant dangers these products pose to public safety.
The department noted that disposable barbecues have been linked to a number of serious wildfires throughout the summer months, prompting officials to classify them as unsafe under current environmental conditions. As a result, these products are prohibited from being sold both in physical stores and online across Great Britain.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized the urgency of the situation during a recent interview with the BBC, stating, "Britain is a tinderbox right now." He urged the public to exercise caution, particularly as the country faces a challenging weekend with ongoing fire incidents. At the time of his remarks, there were 37 active fires reported across England and Wales, four of which were categorized as major incidents. While not all of these fires were linked to disposable barbecues, Burnham acknowledged that some likely were.
The Prime Minister's comments came following an emergency Cobra meeting, where the possibility of a temporary ban was discussed. This proactive measure aligns with a previously established framework that allows retailers to suspend sales of disposable barbecues during extreme heat events or upon reasonable requests from local councils. Many large retailers and supermarkets had already taken the initiative to halt sales of these barbecues in anticipation of the government's formal announcement.
Burnham's appeal to the public underscored the potential dangers associated with outdoor fires during this critical period. "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," he cautioned. The government has committed to reviewing the ban regularly, indicating that the situation will be monitored closely as conditions evolve.
The temporary ban reflects a growing awareness of the risks associated with disposable barbecues in extreme weather conditions. As the UK continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, such measures may become increasingly necessary to protect both the environment and public safety.