Time for a ban on fireworks and BBQS

It beggars belief that, with most of the country a giant tinderbox, the government has still not banned outdoor barbecues (whether on public or private property) and any form of outdoor fire.

Recent weeks have seen a succession of wildfires – including a fire in Essex that destroyed the gardens of 15 homes, which firefighters discovered had been started by an outdoor wood-burning stove.

And don’t even get me started on the utter madness of allowing firework displays to go ahead!

Indeed, my enjoyment of the brilliant Commonwealth Games closing ceremony was only marred by the irresponsibility of ending the celebration with a pyrotechnic extravaganza.

It would only take one spark from a spent firework casing landing in the wrong place to ignite a fire.

Not only should there be a ban on any form of outdoor fire, the sale of disposable barbecues should be suspended – with very heavy penalties for scofflaws.