Leading grocery stores have ceased the sale of single-use barbecues due to concerns about an increased risk of wildfires. The most recent to take this step was Asda, which began removing disposable grills from its shelves on Tuesday amidst persisting dry and hot conditions in various parts of the UK. Recent days have seen firefighters tackling significant fires in locations like Dunwich, Suffolk, and the Rhondda Valley in Wales. The Co-op and Tesco reportedly halted the sale of disposable BBQs in July, while Sainsbury’s has agreed to suspend sales until August 12. Retailers such as Wilko and The Range have also started removing these products from both physical stores and online platforms. On the other hand, Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, and M&S have not stocked disposable grills since 2022.
The decision to stop sales aligns with the voluntary guidelines issued by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) that are effective until the following Wednesday, given the ongoing heatwave affecting parts of the country. Jon Pearce, the High Peak MP for Derbyshire, recently urged major retailers to discontinue the sale of single-use barbecues for the remainder of the summer. While commending the major chains for their actions, Pearce stressed the need for government intervention to help the nation adapt to the changing climate. Pearce advocated for making the NFCC guidance on disposable BBQs mandatory, emphasizing the necessity for swift adaptation to the evolving climate and early planning for the upcoming summers.
Pearce further expressed his campaign for a ban on the use of disposable BBQs in public spaces, calling on the government to proactively address the situation. Fire authorities have warned about the escalating pressure caused by wildfires on emergency services, with over 700 incidents responded to in England and Wales this year. The NFCC strongly advised against using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks, and moorland areas to minimize the risk of wildfires. Both Co-op and Tesco have temporarily removed these products from sale in adherence to NFCC guidance and responsible retail practices.
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