Disposable barbecues banned in UK as heatwave fuels wildfire risk

The UK government has banned the sale of disposable barbecues with immediate effect. The decision follows a series of wildfires this summer that officials have linked to the single-use grills. Major supermarkets including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Co-op had already begun removing the products from shelves before the government order was issued.

A government statement said disposable barbecues "cannot be considered a safe product in the context of the ongoing weather and environmental conditions". The ban applies to both in-store and online sales. Prime Minister Andy Burnham had signalled earlier in the week that a ban was under consideration.

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Heatwave continues as wildfire risk rises

Temperatures reached 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in London on 14 August 2026. This is the second time this year the UK has recorded 38°C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended an amber heat health alert for London, the East and West Midlands, South East, South West and East of England until 10am on 16 August. Other regions remain under alert until 9pm on 15 August.

Polly Ashmore, acting consultant in public health at the UKHSA, said the heat poses serious risks to older adults and those with existing health conditions. She advised staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during peak hours and keeping indoor spaces cool. The UKHSA has also urged people to check on vulnerable friends and family.

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Drought conditions strain water supplies

Nearly three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales are now in drought. July 2026 was the driest on record, followed by a similarly dry start to August. The Environment Agency reports that reservoir levels have fallen to 66% of capacity, down from 69% the previous week. This is 14 percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year.

England and Wales have already experienced as many wildfires in 2026 as in the whole of 2025. The combination of extreme heat, prolonged dry spells and drought has increased the risk of further fires. The government has not indicated when the ban on disposable barbecues will be lifted.

“Drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping indoor spaces cool are all things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.”

Polly Ashmore, acting consultant in public health at the UKHSA