Sainsbury’s and Tesco halt disposable barbecues gross sales amid wildfire threat

Sainsbury’s and Tesco have halted gross sales of disposable barbecues amid rising alarm about their potential to spark wildfires, as giant swathes of the UK undergo a prolonged dry spell.

The supermarkets are the most recent to introduce a whole ban after Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Aldi introduced they’ll not inventory disposable barbecues due to the potential detrimental affect they’ve on the atmosphere and wildlife.

The Co-op determined to cease promoting disposable barbecues in 130 shops situatedwithin a one-mile radius of nationwide parks in June final 12 months, whereas Morrisons has an identical coverage. Morrisons is reportedly reviewing whether or not to cease promoting them altogether.

Tesco modified its coverage from an area ban close to areas of excellent magnificence such because the New Forest to a UK-wide momentary pause on gross sales late on Thursday within the mild of the heatwave and dry circumstances. It’s understood to be planning to restock disposable barbecues as soon as climate circumstances make it secure to take action.

Temperatures have climbed once more this week with tinderbox circumstances, after the longest dry spell since 1976, prompting the Met Workplace to subject its highest warning below its hearth severity index.

A petition on the UK authorities web site calling for a nationwide ban has up to now acquired greater than 20,000 signatures. The Labour social gathering are additionally calling for an entire ban on their sale. Andy Roe, London’s hearth commissioner, mentioned “pressing motion” should be taken to outlaw the sale of disposable barbecues due to the “untold injury” they trigger.

The barbecues are a hearth threat, particularly when used on dry floor, as elements of England have seen the driest climate skilled for 111 years. Drought circumstances have prompted a number of water firms to subject hosepipe bans.

Disposable barbecues had been cited as the reason for a number of of fires, together with a critical blaze in Lickey Hills close to Birmingham. Morden Corridor Park in south London was additionally hit by a big hearth after a disposable barbecue was left there, leaving a big space of the park scorched.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson mentioned: “As a precautionary measure we’re eradicating from sale all disposable barbecues till additional discover. Security is our highest precedence and we’ve got made this choice as a result of scorching and dry climate that we’re at present experiencing throughout the nation. We’ll proceed to intently monitor the scenario and hearken to buyer suggestions.”