Burnham to consider ban on disposable barbecues as wildfires rage in UK

In a bid to combat the growing issue of wildfires across the UK, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that the government will consider imposing restrictions on devices in public spaces, including a potential ban on disposable barbecues. This move follows a series of devastating fires in recent years, with discarded barbecues identified as the probable cause of several major blazes. In Cheshire, for instance, a large woodland fire in July 2026 was attributed to a discarded barbecue, while in Scotland's Trossachs National Park, a similar fire in May 2025 was sparked by a BBQ left unattended with a still-cooked burger on the grill.

The proposed ban on disposable barbecues has been welcomed by some, but campaigners have expressed concern that it does not go far enough. They argue that the root cause of the wildfires is the climate crisis, and that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue. The London Fire Brigade has also weighed in on the issue, urging people to refrain from using disposable barbecues and to properly extinguish cigarettes after use. The brigade's efforts to raise awareness about the risks of wildfires have been ongoing, but the number of incidents continues to rise.

As the UK grapples with the growing threat of wildfires, the government's decision to consider restrictions on devices in public spaces is a step in the right direction. However, the question remains whether a ban on disposable barbecues will be enough to stem the tide of these devastating fires. With the climate crisis continuing to pose a significant threat, it is clear that a more holistic approach is needed to address the issue and prevent future tragedies.