Andy Burnham considering disposable BBQ ban as wildfire fears grow

393 wildfires tackled in England and Wales in July alone

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said single-use grills had been behind several recent blazes.

He urged people to avoid using them “at this moment in time.”

Nearly three quarters of England and the entirety of Wales are currently officially classed as being in drought.

Conditions are about as friendly to wildfires as a petrol station is to an open flame.

The Met Office has also issued an amber warning for Thursday due to the soaring heat.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-high 30s across the Midlands and south east England.

Speaking during a visit to Stevenage, Burnham confirmed that banning disposable BBQs was something the government was "certainly going to consider".

However, it's not yet clear whether ministers are considering banning sales, restricting their use, or both.

Burnhamm also urged people to take "the greatest possible care" when enjoying the countryside.

That includes avoiding cigarettes and disposable BBQs, which authorities say can create serious wildfire risks.

One Labour MP recently contacted major retailers, asking them to stop selling disposable BBQs for the remainder of summer.

Several Liberal Democrat MPs have also supported restrictions.

The National Farmers Union has gone further, calling on councils to restrict disposable BBQ use in public spaces.

Some councils have already done exactly that.

Brighton and Hove, as well as Fylde in Lancashire, are amongst the areas that have used public space protection orders to ban single-use grills.

Anyone ignoring such restrictions can currently face a fine of up to £100, with that maximum fine expected to increase to £500 in future.

With wildfires becoming an increasingly serious concern, ditching disposable BBQs could be a small but worthwhile change.

Fire chiefs say wildfires are becoming a “recurring and growing feature” of the risks facing communities.

So far, crews tackled 393 wildfires across England and Wales in July alone, making it the busiest month on record.

So before firing up that disposable grill, perhaps consider whether your burger is really worth potentially becoming tomorrow's local news.