Burnham considering disposable barbecue ban over wildfire epidemic

Several North Yorkshire politicians have already called for a ban on disposable barbecues after the devastation caused by the Langdale Moor fire last year.

Andy Burnham is considering imposing a ban on disposable barbecues as wildfires continue to scorch the UK, with more extreme heat expected today.

England and Wales have already seen as many wildfires in 2026 so far as there were in the whole of last year, with recent blazes sparking in the Peak District and the North York Moors.

Mr Burnham chaired an emergency Cobra committee this afternoon in response to a prolonged spell of exceptionally hot and dry weather.

Prior to the meeting, he said people should not be using temporary barbecues “at this time” amid a “significant problem” of wildfires.

The Prime Minister explained: “You know, the wildfires I mentioned, many of them have been created by disposable barbecues, that people can take out. I understand why people want to go out and do that.

“But we need to, in my view, have a situation where we almost just have a temporary ban on those things. We’re going to look at that issue today.”

The Prime Minister said he was “certainly going to consider” a ban, adding: “I do believe we need to get the message out loud and clear. People should not be using those barbecues outside at this moment in time.

“I don’t know yet what the remedy is, but I do want to leave the meeting today with a loud and clear message that we do want people to take the greatest possible care when they are out in the countryside, both in terms of cigarettes, but also those temporary barbecues that we know are causing risk of fires.”

The rescue effort of fire crews, farmers and gamekeepers was beset by explosions from World War Two munitions, as it reached RAF Fylingdales which was built on an old army training area.

The blaze was eventually put out, but not before it had surged towards properties and businesses.

Amid the hottest July on record, the number of wildfires this year have already reached the total from 2026, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council has revealed.

Some 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, the same as last year’s record-breaking total.

NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan said: “Hot, dry weather and drought are turning parts of the UK into tinderbox landscapes, allowing fires to spread faster, burn longer and place greater pressure on fire and rescue services.”

Yorkshire is one of only two parts of the UK not in drought, however it took a step closer this week with “prolonged dry weather” being declared in the region.

Reservoir levels dropped down to 58 per cent, well below the 74 per cent average for this time of year.

Debbie Feldhaus, head of strategic water resources and regional planning at Yorkshire Water, said: “Small changes can make a big difference.

“Whether it’s using a watering can instead of a hosepipe, taking shorter showers or only putting the washing machine and dishwasher on when they’re full, every drop saved helps us protect our water resources now and for the future.”