Burnham temporarily bans disposable barbecue sales in ‘tinderbox’ Britain

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>PM urges people not to risk lives and homes by starting fires as military brought in to help deal with wildfires</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/aug/14/clacton-byelection-nigel-farage-count-binface-reform-uk-finances-donations-investigation-latest-news-updates">UK politics live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Downing Street has issued a temporary GB-wide ban on the sale of disposable barbecue and brought in the military to help deal with wildfires as Andy Burnham urged people not to risk lives in “tinderbox” Britain this weekend.</p><p>The prime minister spoke from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where at least 19 people have been taken to hospital during <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/13/several-homes-ablaze-as-firefighters-try-to-contain-west-midlands-grassfire">eight fires that have ripped through several homes</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/14/burnham-temporary-ban-barbecues-tinderbox-britain">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.