Morrisons has become the latest UK supermarket to remove disposable barbecues from sale due to concerns over the fire risk they pose in hot, dry weather. Retailers have come under pressure to suspend sales of disposable barbecues after fire brigades warned that recent dry conditions mean grassy areas are “like tinderboxes”.
Warnings are in place over the risk of wildfires as temperatures are expected to climb as high as 36C in some areas over the coming days. A Morrisons spokesman said: “In light of the long dry spell in the UK this summer we are temporarily removing disposable barbecues from all stores until further notice.”
In March the retailer announced the removal of disposable barbecues from all of its stores within one mile of national parks to help prevent wildfires. The move came after other supermarkets including Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer banned disposable barbecues earlier this month.
The Co-op announced in June last year it would no longer sell disposable barbecues in 130 shops situated in or within a one-mile radius of national parks, while in March this year Aldi said it would no longer sell the items in any of its UK supermarkets in a bid to protect the nation’s forests and wildlife. Wilko has also said it will remove disposable barbecues from stores and wilko.com.
People have been urged not to barbecue in parks and to ensure cigarettes, rubbish and glass are properly disposed of.
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: “Persistent high pressure over the UK means temperatures have been rising day-on-day through this week and it is important people plan for the heat. Temperatures are expected to peak at 35C on Friday and possibly 36C over the weekend."
