UK imposes temporary ban on disposable barbecue sales and deploys military as wildfires rage
The UK government has temporarily banned the sale of disposable barbecues and called in the military to help tackle wildfires. The prime minister urged caution in a "tinderbox" Britain, with at least 19 people hospitalised in one fire-hit area.
A temporary ban on disposable barbecue sales across Great Britain has been imposed from today, with the military deployed to assist in wildfire response. The prime minister made the announcement in Stourbridge, West Midlands, where eight fires have damaged several homes and sent at least 19 people to hospital.
Describing the wildfires as "absolutely devastating", he said the country was "a tinderbox right now" and that any outdoor fire risked people's homes and lives. Retailers have been asked to remove disposable grills from shelves. The government's online guidance says such products have caused serious wildfires this summer and cannot be considered safe under current weather conditions.
The PM acknowledged that not all of the 37 fires across Britain were barbecue-related, but said it was "probable" some were. He also revealed plans to commission firefighting aircraft used in Europe and the US. Andy Burnham said emergency financial support for fire services was being prepared. He warned of a difficult weekend and predicted hotter, drier conditions could last into September and October, possibly followed by floods in late autumn due to dry ground.
The announcement came amid criticism that the prime minister had not addressed the climate emergency after his first Cobra meeting on the heatwave. His government is considering new North Sea drilling at Jackdaw and Rosebank, which green groups oppose. In response, the PM stressed the need to build resilience and adapt to fire and flood risks while transitioning to clean energy. On drilling, he said a "pragmatic" approach was needed, as the UK could not stop using oil and gas immediately.
