A temporary ban on disposable barbecues has been implemented across England, Scotland, and Wales in response to the escalating risk of serious wildfires. The government stated that these devices have been the cause of "a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months." This measure follows discussions at an emergency Cobra meeting prompted by record temperatures earlier in the week. Members of the public have also been urged not to light an open fire of any kind and to dispose of cigarettes carefully.
The ban aims to protect lives and the environment, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds calling them "common-sense steps." All retailers will receive guidance regarding the change, which will remain under review. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the current situation as the country being like "a tinderbox," with fire crews in the West Midlands continuing to battle multiple blazes for a second day.
According to data from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, matching last year's record. Burnham noted that some of these fires were likely started by disposable barbecues. He reported that "37 fires across England and Wales right now, four of them are major incidents," urging the public to be cautious heading into a difficult weekend.
He stated, "Britain is a tinderbox right now. 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."
Many large retailers and supermarkets had already voluntarily stopped selling disposable barbecues under a 2023 framework agreed between fire chiefs and the British Retail Consortium. This agreement stipulated that retailers should suspend sales during imminent extreme heat events or in response to reasonable, evidence-based requests from local councils.
David Skaith, the elected Labour mayor for York and North Yorkshire, who has been campaigning for a ban on single-use grills, urged the prime minister to make the ban permanent, stating it is "much-needed, much-called-for."
Burnham also revealed plans to commission firefighting planes, similar to those used in Europe and the US, to combat the spread of wildfires. Emergency financial support for fire services battling these blazes is also being planned. He expressed concern that "fire fighters are not properly equipped to tackle wildfires in the UK" and that "We don't have the capability in the way that we should have to fight these fires." He highlighted the "back-breaking work" of thousands of firefighters in full kit, in the most difficult conditions.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for the UK to confront the "changing climate" and transition to "more clean energy." His remarks came ahead of Baroness Blake of Leeds' appointment as fire minister. Burnham made these comments during a visit to Stourbridge, where he saw the impact of a recent devastating blaze.
On Thursday, the UK experienced its hottest day of the year, leading to residents fleeing their homes as fires spread through dry grass and damaged houses. West Midlands Ambulance Service reported treating 54 casualties across eight different fires in the region, with 19 people requiring hospital treatment. In 2025, fire and rescue services in England and Wales responded to nearly 1,000 wildfire incidents, with the NFCC warning that climate change is increasing the risk and severity of such events.
The current summer conditions align with climate scientists' warnings about more frequent and intense heatwaves and potential summer droughts due to human-induced climate change.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said it treated 54 casualties at eight different fires across the region. Nineteen people were taken to hospital for treatment.
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