Shops urge caution over disposable BBQs

Marie Wagner • July 29, 2026 • 3 min read

UK retailers adopt new disposable BBQ safety guidelines to reduce wildfire risks amid dry conditions and rising fire hazards.

UK retailers are adjusting their approach to selling disposable barbecues as wildfire risks increase during extended dry periods. New voluntary guidelines from the British Retail Consortium and the National Fire Chiefs Council provide steps stores can take to reduce fire hazards without implementing a full ban.

The framework advises retailers to evaluate local conditions, modify stock levels during high-risk times, and work with fire services and local authorities. It also emphasizes better communication with customers about safe use and disposal.

Retailers adapt to rising fire dangers

Disposable barbecues remain a popular summer item, but their misuse in areas with dry grass or foliage has led to preventable fires. The consortium and fire chiefs stress that retailers can help reduce these risks by ensuring shoppers understand the potential dangers.

Adrian Simpson, the consortium’s product safety policy adviser, stated that the devices are safe when used properly. He recommended placing them on non-flammable surfaces, never leaving them unattended, and fully extinguishing them before disposal. A few simple precautions can prevent most incidents.

The guidelines do not require sales restrictions but encourage stores to respond to evidence-based requests from authorities. During extreme heat or drought, some local councils have asked retailers to temporarily remove the products from shelves, a practice the new recommendations endorse.

Safety messaging takes center stage

Retailers are being urged to include safety advice at every stage of the customer experience. The guidelines suggest adding warnings to packaging, in-store displays, and online listings. Clear instructions on proper use and disposal could lower the risk of accidental fires.

Paul Hedley, the fire chiefs’ wildfire lead, described the guidelines as a positive step toward reducing fire risks. “Retailers must work with local authorities when conditions worsen,” he said. “Proactive steps can protect communities.”

For many stores, this change reflects a broader trend where seasonal products with safety or environmental risks are now assessed for responsible retailing.

The shift isn’t just about compliance. Retailers face higher stakes than before. A single spark from a discarded barbecue can cause property damage, environmental harm, and reputational damage. The guidelines aim to balance convenience with caution, keeping the products available while reducing risks.

The consortium, however, believes education and voluntary action work better than blanket prohibitions.

The updated guidelines come as the UK experiences more frequent heatwaves and prolonged dry spells. While disposable barbecues aren’t the only cause, their role in starting fires has made them a key focus for prevention.

Retailers must now monitor local fire-risk assessments and adjust sales strategies accordingly. The consortium said a coordinated sector-wide approach would standardize safety messaging and improve responses during high-risk periods. For international chains operating in the UK, the shift offers an example of how climate pressures are changing retail practices globally.

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One unexpected outcome has been increased demand for reusable grills. Some retailers report customers, concerned about disposable options, are choosing portable charcoal or gas alternatives. Others are stocking more fire-safe accessories, like heat-resistant mats and extinguishing tools, to support barbecue sales.

The changes highlight a growing conflict between convenience and caution. Disposable barbecues are affordable, widely available, and easy to use, making them popular for picnics and festivals. But as wildfire risks rise, their low cost and single-use nature conflict with broader safety goals.

The guidelines remain voluntary. With fire services warning that climate change will worsen wildfire risks, pressure on retailers to act will likely grow. The focus is now on how quickly and thoroughly they respond.