The Government has introduced a temporary ban on disposable barbecues – with the announcement being met with support in Derbyshire after a number of wildfires over recent weeks and months.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a temporary country-wide ban on disposal barbecues – with continued hot and dry conditions increasing the risk of wildfires.

Burnham confirmed the details of the ban while speaking in Stourbridge, West Midlands – where he said that “Britain is a tinderbox right now” and called for people not to start fires in the outdoors.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue service have expressed their support for the ban – having dealt with a number of serious wildfires this year.

This photo was taken at a recent fire that broke out at Monks Road near Glossop - which was started after a camp fire was lit. Credit: Glossop Fire Station

placeholder image — This photo was taken at a recent fire that broke out at Monks Road near Glossop - which was started after a camp fire was lit. Credit: Glossop Fire Station

A major incident was declared on July 12 amid efforts to extinguish a wildfire that broke out on Tintwistle Moor near Glossop.

While no longer being classified as a major incident, firefighters still remained at the scene this week to tackle deep-seated hotspots within the peat – where heat can persist for long periods below the surface.

A DFRS spokesperson said: “Disposable barbecues pose a significant fire risk, particularly during periods of hot, dry weather – when vegetation can ignite easily.

“We welcome news of this temporary ban and continue to urge people not to use disposable barbecues. If you've already purchased one, please leave it at home.

“By following this advice, you can help reduce the risk of accidental fires and support emergency services during these challenging conditions.”

The Government has issued online advice about the ban, stating that disposable barbecues and grills had been the cause of multiple serious wildfires this summer.

A spokesperson added: “Disposable barbecues cannot be considered a safe product in the context of the ongoing weather and environmental conditions and must not be made available for sale either in store or online at the current time.”

Coun Eamonn O'Brien is Chair of the Local Government Association, which represents councils and fire and rescue authorities – and he also welcomed the news that disposable barbecues would be banned temporarily.

He said: “Improper use of disposable barbecues can be a significant hazard, particularly in periods of hot, dry weather. Avoiding using any outdoor fires during these times helps reduce the risk of wildfires and protect communities, open spaces and wildlife. It will also help alleviate pressure on fire and rescue services, which continue to respond to significant and increasing demand from wildfires. We applaud firefighters and staff working in such challenging and relentless conditions, who are committed to keeping communities safe.

“Extended periods of hot, dry weather and drought can increase the risk of wildfires, with fires potentially spreading quickly and easily through dried-out parks, fields and woodland. By following fire safety advice from your local fire service, avoiding unnecessary risks with fire and safely disposing of rubbish that could start a fire, such as cigarettes or glass bottles, we can all play our part in protecting our communities and open spaces.

“If you see signs of a wildfire, do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself. Move to a place of safety, call 999 and ask for the fire service. As we have seen this summer, the effects of wildfires can be devastating. While fire services and firefighters are working hard to combat them, they need sustained funding into the future to meet the risks these fires pose. The creation of a national wildfire strategy would also help to strengthen work on these issues.”