Prime Minister Burnham urged retailers to refrain from selling disposable barbecues as he warned of increased wildfire risks during the current spell of extremely dry weather. The request, issued by the Prime Minister’s office, asks shops to consider removing single-use grills from shelves and appeals to members of the public to avoid using disposable BBQs while conditions remain unusually dry.
Burnham said the measure is intended to reduce avoidable sources of ignition in high-risk areas. Officials cited the potential for hot coals and embers from single-use devices to ignite surrounding vegetation, and the potential for fires to spread rapidly when ground and air moisture levels are low. The guidance does not impose a legal ban but frames the action as a precautionary step during the weather event.
Retailers and suppliers in the outdoor leisure sector were asked to take voluntary action to limit sales of single-use grills, and the government encouraged businesses to consider alternative stock for the short term. The Prime Minister’s appeal was accompanied by advice for residents to follow any local restrictions, to use designated barbecue areas where available, and to adhere to safety guidance issued by emergency responders and local authorities.
Public safety officials monitored the situation as forecasts indicated persistence of dry conditions in several regions. The Prime Minister’s office said it would keep the guidance under review and update recommendations in line with meteorological assessments and advice from emergency services. Communities and businesses were urged to act in accordance with local instructions to reduce the risk of preventable fires while conditions remain heightened.
