Andy Burnham has confirmed that officials are reviewing the possibility of banning single-use barbecues due to the elevated risk of wildfires during the current summer heatwaves. Several recent fires have been linked to these devices, leading the government to advise the public against their use during this period.
The announcement follows a series of voluntary removals of such products by various retail outlets. This move coincides with an emergency Cobra meeting led by Burnham to address the nation’s response to extreme temperature fluctuations. A spokesperson for Downing Street acknowledged the significant pressures the weather is placing on essential services, including farmers, the NHS, and fire rescue teams.
During a public appearance in Stevenage, Burnham emphasized the urgent need for caution in rural areas, specifically highlighting the fire hazards posed by both discarded cigarettes and temporary grills. Representatives from the Home Office, the Department for Health, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are involved in these high-level discussions, marking the second time this year that the cabinet committee has convened to manage heat-related emergencies.
