In response, farmers and landowners are pushing for a temporary restriction on the sale and use of disposable barbecues. They argue this could significantly lower the risk of accidental wildfires. This movement has garnered support from several Labour MPs and the Liberal Democrats. They also see the need for urgent action.
Farmers warn of devastating impact on agriculture and ecosystems
Paul Tompkins, deputy president of the National Farmers Union, emphasized the urgent danger posed by wildfires. He noted that record-breaking heatwaves and the ongoing climate crisis have already had a severe toll on crops and harvests over the past few months. A single spark from a disposable barbecue, he said, could wipe out months of hard labor in just a few minutes. This could cause irreparable harm to crops, farm infrastructure, and livestock. He urged retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues. He also called for local authorities to issue public space protection orders to ban their use in high-risk areas.
The long-term consequences of such fires, Tompkins warned, could include damage to soil health and a decline in grassland productivity. This would further strain farm businesses that are already under immense pressure. To help manage the risk, he proposed encouraging more grazing in moorland regions to reduce the buildup of vegetation. However, some conservationists have raised concerns about overgrazing, which could harm delicate ecosystems. Ben Goldsmith, a financier and environmental advocate, pointed out that the reintroduction of beavers in certain river systems has helped improve water retention in the surrounding land. This, he argued, has played a role in mitigating some of the worst effects of the current drought, which in turn lowers wildfire risk.
Retailers and councils face growing demands for action
Jon Pearce, the MP for High Peak in Derbyshire, has personally written to major retailers. He urged them to stop the sale of disposable barbecues. While most large supermarket chains have already halted these sales, some have not stocked them for years. The products remain widely available in smaller shops, hardware and DIY stores, and online retailers. This gap in enforcement has raised concerns among advocates. They argue that stronger measures are needed to prevent accidental fires.
The Country Land and Business Association, an influential organization that represents landowners, has also come out in favor of a ban on disposable barbecues. However, it has simultaneously called for the removal of the current ban on controlled burning. This practice is currently prohibited in England to protect wildlife, ecosystems, and to reduce carbon emissions. Gavin Lane, president of the CLA, argued that controlled burning is a well-proven method for reducing the risk of wildfires. When done correctly, he explained, it removes the vegetation that would otherwise fuel fires. It also slows their spread. Lane urged Natural England to reconsider the ban. He also urged them to actively explore how controlled burning could help prevent further losses.
A government spokesperson has stated that there are no plans to implement a nationwide ban on disposable barbecues. However, they acknowledged the serious risks and said that actions had already been taken to improve product safety standards for these items. Local authorities are also empowered to issue restrictions in high-risk areas. While this provides a degree of flexibility, critics argue that it is not enough to address the growing threat of wildfires in a climate crisis.
Meanwhile, some parts of the UK have seen temporary relief from the dry conditions. Heavy rain fell in northern England and Scotland earlier in the week, and thundery showers and scattered rains in Northern Ireland and Wales have brought some respite. The south-east of England, however, has remained largely dry, despite overcast skies. As the climate crisis continues to shape weather patterns, the risk of wildfires is expected to remain high, prompting growing calls for more decisive action at all levels of government.
Experts and landowners alike are urging a multi-faceted approach to address the wildfire threat. This includes better vegetation management, public education on fire prevention, and regulatory changes to both product availability and land practices. The situation highlights the growing tension between conservation efforts and agricultural needs in the face of a rapidly changing climate.