Fire chief: Ban all throwaway BBQs

BRITAIN needs a ‘total ban’ on disposable barbecues, the London Fire Commissioner said yesterday.

Andy Roe said ‘urgent action’ is required after the London Fire Brigade (LFB) had its busiest ever week.

It attended more than 1,000 blazes as temperatures hit a record 40.3C (105F).

The LFB dealt with twice as many calls as usual and tackled an unprecedented number of large grassland fires. Last Saturday crews prevented a serious blaze at Wanstead Flats in east London caused by a disposable barbecues.

Mr Roe said they ‘can be bought for as little as £5 and can cause untold damage, especially when the grass is as dry as it has been over the last few weeks’.

He accused people of ‘carelessly’ ignoring warnings about grass fires.