Wildfires: why disposable BBQs are being banned from some parks and beaches

Some UK councils have banned disposable BBQs on council-owned parks, beaches and other public spaces due to wildfire risks.

The UK is experiencing a 'firewave' with 'very extreme' fire danger forecast, and London has had four successive heatwaves with minimal rainfall.

Disposable BBQs are a major preventable ignition source because the coals are separated from the surface by only a thin aluminium tray that becomes extremely hot.

Charcoal embers can easily blow from the BBQ onto dry grass, leaf litter, heathland or peat, igniting wildfires.

Almost all UK wildfires are started by people, and the London Fire Brigade responded to over 1,300 incidents over a weekend.