Story perspectives

UK considers banning disposable barbecues amid wildfire drought

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK government is considering a ban on disposable barbecues because wildfires have spread during the hottest summer.
He warned while chairing an emergency COBRA meeting as heat left nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales in drought.
The Met Office issued an extreme-heat warning forecasting 38 °C in the Midlands and south-east after retailers halted disposable-grill sales following guidance from the Fire Chiefs Council.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK government is considering a ban on disposable barbecues because wildfires have spread during the hottest summer.
He warned while chairing an emergency COBRA meeting as heat left nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales in drought.
The Met Office issued an extreme-heat warning forecasting 38 °C in the Midlands and south-east after retailers halted disposable-grill sales following guidance from the Fire Chiefs Council.