Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called on “all retailers big and small” to stop selling disposable barbecues in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires during this summer’s extreme heat.
The Makerfield MP issued this appeal late on Wednesday after chairing a meeting of the Government’s emergency COBRA committee in response to ongoing exceptionally hot and dry weather conditions expected to persist for several weeks.
In recent weeks, most major UK supermarkets have voluntarily suspended the sale of disposable barbecues, following guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
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Mr Burnham highlighted the escalating threat, stating: “The big risk to regions across the country is the danger of wildfires. We are witnessing multiple serious incidents nationwide.”
He explained that fire services are largely supporting each other through mutual aid to tackle these emergencies, emphasising the government’s careful monitoring of the situation.
“There is public advice not to use disposable barbecues. Today, we have confirmed with the NFCC that restrictions on their retail sale will be extended,” Mr Burnham said, appealing to all retailers to comply with the framework.
He added that the government will consider whether a temporary ban on disposable barbecues during summer months is warranted in the future.
Addressing health concerns, Mr Burnham reported a “significant number of excess deaths from heat this summer already” and urged people to follow official health guidance, including checking in on elderly friends and relatives who might need support during this period.
When questioned about the prospect of drilling remaining North Sea fossil fuel deposits amid climate change impacts, Mr Burnham focused on the present emergency: “It is really important that we deal today with the situation we face now and ensure the serious incidents across the country are under control.”
He acknowledged that broader discussions about energy policy will occur “at the right moment in time,” and reinforced the severity of the current conditions: “We have had it almost confirmed that this is the hottest summer on record, and as we proceed, these conditions may last for several weeks.”
While some rain is forecast, Mr Burnham cautioned that it “may not fundamentally change the situation,” indicating a continued dry outlook in the weeks ahead.