𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The UK Government issued an Emergency Alert across England and Wales warning people of a list of activities they can no longer do as it can increase the risk of a fire. The alert startled millions on Friday evening and follows a meeting of COBR chaired by the Prime Minister earlier this week.

England and Wales have been enduring weeks of high temperatures, stark sunlight and drought conditions that have formed the perfect setting for wildfires to arise. Firefighters across the UK are still battling blazes as Andy Burnham’s Government issued a list of things Brits have been banned from doing and buying for the time being to help ease the burden on first responders by minimising the risk of fires.

In the alert, people were told not to take part in any activities that could start a fire. This includes:

• Disposable barbecues
• Firepits
• Garden incinerators
• Fireworks

Topping the list of banned items is disposable barbecues, which have been “immediately banned” since the emergency alert was issued. Retailers have been told to remove the items from sale at once.

However, this is a temporary measure with promises from the Government to review the ban as the risk of wildfires changes through the autumn season. Household barbecues that aren’t disposable haven’t been banned, but users have been warned never to leave one unattended and to ensure it is fully extinguished after use.

The ban has included lighting fires or having open flames in areas like:

• The countryside
• Parks
• Moorland
• Wooded areas
• Open space

While smoking materials have not been banned, users have been warned to dispose of their finished materials carefully. Smokers are also not allowed to ever throw cigarette ends from vehicles.

This type of debris can easily ignite dry grass, leaves or brush on the roadside alongside causing environmental damage. Other types of litter, particularly glass bottles, can pose a similar fire risk and people are urged to take all litter home with them to be disposed of properly.