UK retailers are updating their approach to disposable BBQ sales as concerns grow over the risk of wildfires during hot, dry weather. New voluntary guidance from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sets out practical steps retailers can take to reduce fire risks and improve customer safety.
The updated disposable BBQ guidance is aimed at retailers selling these products across the UK. It focuses on helping businesses respond to periods of increased wildfire risk, including extreme heat events and requests from local authorities to temporarily remove products from sale.
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The guidance does not introduce a ban on disposable BBQs. Instead, it provides a framework for retailers to assess risks, communicate clearly with customers and work with fire services and local authorities when conditions become more dangerous.
Retailers prepare for higher fire risks
Disposable BBQs are popular seasonal products, particularly during warmer months when consumers spend more time outdoors. However, they can become a source of ignition when used incorrectly or in areas with dry vegetation.
The BRC and NFCC said retailers have an important role in helping prevent avoidable fires by ensuring customers understand how to use and dispose of disposable BBQs safely.
The guidance encourages retailers to have clear procedures in place for managing sales during periods of heightened wildfire risk. This includes being prepared to respond to evidence-based requests from local authorities and reviewing whether products should remain available during extreme weather conditions.
Adrian Simpson, product safety policy adviser at the BRC, said disposable BBQs could be used safely when customers follow the correct precautions.
He said users should only use them in suitable locations, never leave them unattended and make sure they are fully extinguished before disposal.
Safety advice becomes part of retail responsibility
The updated guidance highlights the role retailers can play in educating customers before and after purchase.
Businesses are encouraged to provide safety information through packaging, product displays, websites and other customer communication channels. Clear messaging can help shoppers understand where disposable BBQs should be used and how they should be disposed of.
Paul Hedley, wildfire lead at the NFCC, said the guidance was designed to help reduce the risk of fires linked to disposable BBQ use.
“These guidelines are a good start for mitigating wildfire risk caused by disposable barbecues,” he said.
He added that retailers could support local communities by working with authorities and taking action when wildfire risks increase.
For retail decision-makers, the guidance reflects a wider shift towards stronger product safety management. Seasonal products that carry potential environmental or public safety risks are increasingly being assessed not only on sales opportunities but also on responsible retail practices.
Extreme weather changes retail planning
The updated disposable BBQ guidance comes as retailers face growing challenges linked to extreme weather conditions. Hotter and drier periods can increase the likelihood of wildfires, making risk management more important for businesses selling outdoor products.
Retailers are not required to stop selling disposable BBQs under the new guidance. However, they are encouraged to monitor local conditions and maintain communication with relevant authorities.
The BRC said a consistent approach across the retail sector would help businesses provide clearer advice to customers and respond more effectively during high-risk periods.
For international retail operators, the UK example highlights a broader issue: climate-related risks are increasingly influencing product management, customer communication and operational decisions.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, retailers in different markets may need to review how they manage products that can create safety concerns during challenging conditions.
