Andy Burnham‘s Government has imposed a temporary ban on disposable barbecues amid fears of spreading wildfires during the UK’s heatwave summer.
Officials said the items posed ‘a significant risk to the public’ due to current conditions which yesterday brought Britain’s hottest day of the year, at 38.1C (100.4F).
The single-use grills ‘have been the cause of a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months’, advice published online by the Government said.
It 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.’
Prime Minister Mr Burnham had suggested earlier in the week that such a measure could be introduced.
New guidance published this afternoon states: ‘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.
‘These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.’
It comes as eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters were called to a grass fire near Commonside East, in Mitcham, south London – prompting a brigade warning about disposable BBQs.
London Fire Brigade has also issued a warning about disposable barbecues – blaming one for a blaze in Mitcham, south London, on Thursday
At least six homes were destroyed after wildfires struck Stourbridge in the West Midlands
Andy Burnham (centre) walks with West Midlands Fire Service’s chief fire officer Simon Tuhill (left) and West Midlands mayor Richard Parker (right) during a visit to Stourbridge on Friday
Firefighters tackled a fire yesterday afternoon with about one hectare of shrubs and grassland was alight.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘If you’re planning to enjoy the weather over the coming days either in a park or other open spaces, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you.
‘As this incident sadly proves they pose a significant fire risk – along with poorly disposed of cigarettes.
‘The heat from a disposable BBQ can be retained for many hours, even after we think we have put out a barbecue safely. Smoking materials need to be discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available.’
Meanwhile, at least six houses were destroyed on Stourbridge’s Brunswick Gate, the town’s most expensive street that is lined with large family homes worth at least £1m and sits opposite a golf course.
Up to 30 properties in total were damaged as firefighters fought the blaze in the West Midlands, which spread rapidly through dry grass and woodland yesterday afternoon – setting alight homes with residents forced to flee.
One evacuated resident said police told her to leave quickly because they ‘thought the fire was changing directions’ – so it was ‘literally grab what you need and get out’.
Other witnesses said the flames ‘jumped from house to house’ while people grabbed what they could. A child and three firefighters were among those taken to hospital.
Around 100 firefighters tackled the inferno which broke out near Stourbridge golf course
Drone footage from smoke-filled skies over the leafy market town showed the blaze threatening to engulf even more properties on the edge of a badly scorched field.
Around 100 firefighters were tackling the inferno which broke out near Stourbridge Golf Course, obliterating 40 acres of land. Golfers are said to have fled in their carts.
Residents said ash was ‘raining down’ amid the ‘very strong’ smoke. Some of the impacted homes were on Brunswick Gate, where one sold for £1.25million in 2024.
Other large detached homes sold for £875,000 in 2017 and £900,000 in 2012 on what estate agents have previously dubbed Stourbridge’s most expensive road.
Local Labour MP Cat Eccles said she believes up to 30 homes were completely destroyed; while paramedics confirmed a total of 54 patients had been treated – including 19 taken to hospital – as a result of the wider West Midlands wildfires.
A Stourbridge councillor described ‘apocalyptic scenes’ – and one witness said he saw the fire spread rapidly, consuming hedges, power lines and even a fire engine.
Another man whose mother’s home burnt down in a fire in the Highters Heath area of Birmingham said she has lost everything, including 100 years’ worth of family photos.
Meanwhile in Staffordshire, six firefighters were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion after battling wildfires in the county.
The chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council said today that the fire service is ‘under significant pressure’ with 11 major incidents declared across the UK.
Extremely hot weather will continue in south-east England, East Anglia, Lincolnshire and the Midlands today with temperatures reaching between 29C and 34C.
East Midlands Railway issued an ‘essential travel only’ alert for the third day in a row; while c2c, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Railway axed some services.
The UK hit 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London yesterday, making it the warmest day of 2026 so far. Yesterday was also the ninth day of the year when temperatures hit at least 35C, the fourth day for 36C, and the third for 37C – all three being new records.
The heatwave is set to continue into this weekend with temperatures of up to 30C in southern England, before highs slip to around 27C to 28C by the start of next week.
Today, a UK Health Security Agency amber heat health alert was extended until 10am tomorrow for much of England – having originally been due to end at 9pm tonight.
The Government agency warned of increased demand on health services and a ‘rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions’.
The alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, London and East of England was extended. All other regions remain under the alert until tonight.
Officials urged people to take precautions such as staying hydrated; checking in on vulnerable friends and family; and staying out of the sun at the hottest part of the day.
