Disposable BBQs temporarily banned in UK following ‘significant risk’

The Government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbeques as they pose a 'significant risk to the public' due to the heatwave conditions, according to advice published online.

Gov.uk has introduced statutory guidelines, stating: "Disposable barbecues have been the cause of a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months.

"During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.

The Government has issued a temporary ban on disposable BBQs in the UK (Getty Stock Images)

"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.

"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."

The guidelines come after multiple fires broke out in the West Midlands on Thursday (13 August), the UK’s hottest day of the year, which saw highs of 38.1C.

A total of 54 people have been treated by paramedics, including 19 who were admitted to hospital, the region’s ambulance service said.

The BBQ ban comes after the UK’s hottest day of the year, which saw highs of 38C (Getty Stock Images)

The blazes led to thousands of 999 calls on Thursday, a fire chief said.

In an update on Friday morning (14 August), West Midlands Ambulance Service said it had attended 'a number of serious fires' across the region 'as hot and dry conditions continue'.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has since pledged to support fire and rescue services in the region with any additional resources they need, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker previously told Sky News.

A heat health alert has since been extended until Saturday (15 August) for much of England amid warnings that high temperatures may increase health risks for vulnerable groups.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current amber heat health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, London and East of England until 10 am tomorrow.

The ban comes after a heat health alert was extended until Saturday (Getty Stock Images)

All other regions in England remain under an amber alert until 9 pm on Friday.

The UKHSA has warned high temperatures 'may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups'.

Polly Ashmore, acting consultant in public health at the UKHSA, said: "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.

"For vulnerable groups including older adults and those with existing health conditions, warmer weather can result in serious health outcomes.

"We urge health and social care services to ensure they are prepared and encourage people to check on vulnerable friends and family to make sure everyone is aware of the forecast, follows the necessary advice and stays safe in this period of hot weather."