Hampshire firefighters issue stark warning as government announces ban on disposable barbecues
“Just a single discarded cigarette or sunlight reflecting through a glass bottle can quickly escalate into a serious wildfire.”
On Friday, August 14, Prime Minister Andy Burnham banned the sale of disposable barbecues in England, Scotland and Wales - citing them as the cause of multiple wildfires this summer.
An emergency alert was also sent to everyone’s mobile devices, with instructions no to do anything that could start a fire. It read: “There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks.
“Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.
“Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999.”
Now, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has warned people about other things that could start fires. It comes as the firefighters from across the county are being deployed from across the county, to deal with the ongoing New Forest wildfire.
A spokesperson said: “We welcome the publication of the government’s new statutory guidance on disposable barbecues, which is an important step in reducing the risk of fires in our countryside, green spaces and communities.
“So far this year we have already seen more wildfires in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight than we did in the whole of 2025.
“While these new temporary guidelines are a positive development, they relate only to the sale and distribution of disposable BBQs, they do not go as far as banning the use of them.
“We would like to urge everyone who has already purchased a disposable BBQ to help us prevent fires in the countryside, parks and other open spaces by not using it. Disposable BBQs are just one potential ignition source, during periods of hot and dry weather, any heat source has the potential to start a fire.
“Just a single discarded cigarette or sunlight reflecting through a glass bottle can quickly escalate into a serious wildfire, causing significant damage to wildlife and the countryside, putting lives at risk, and placing further pressure on already stretched emergency services.”
Parking your car on dry grass, leaving litter behind and lighting campfires have also been listed as potential fire risks.