Several major UK retailers have temporarily removed disposable barbecues from their shelves amid growing concerns over wildfire risks during the ongoing drought. Companies including Asda, Tesco, the Co-op, and Sainsbury’s have suspended sales of these products, joined by Wilko and The Range, which have also halted online sales of disposable grills.

The decision follows voluntary guidance issued by the National Fire Chiefs Council, which highlighted the heightened fire danger due to the current extreme heat and dry conditions. Human activities, such as stray sparks from barbecue use, are a common cause of wildfires, and the dry environment has increased the likelihood and spread of fires. More than 700 wildfires have been reported across the country so far this year.

Inga Becker-Hansen, representing the British Retail Consortium, stated that retailers are prioritizing customer safety and environmental protection. She added that the withdrawal of disposable barbecues aligns with the fire safety advice provided by the National Fire Chiefs Council during this period of elevated fire risk.

Several other UK supermarkets, including Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer, have not sold disposable barbecues since 2022, citing similar concerns. This move reflects increasing caution among retailers in response to the heightened wildfire threat posed by dry weather conditions and the potential hazards of disposable barbecue use.