UK's M&S and other supermarket chains halt sales of disposable BBQs due to fire risk

Britain witnessed its hottest day ever on July 19, with temperatures exceeding 40C (104F)

Britain's Marks and Spencer have decided to stop retailing disposable barbecues to reduce the risk of fires in dry conditions following the record heatwave. Other supermarket chains in Britain, including Waitrose and Aldi, have already banned or limited the sales of disposable barbecues. These types of equipment are made from lightweight aluminum and contain the risk of causing fires. This decision comes days after London's fire chief recommended a total nationwide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. This was done following the city fire brigade's busiest week since World War Two as it braved an unprecedented number of grassland fires caused due to barbecues.

Britain witnessed its hottest day ever on July 19, with temperatures exceeding 40C (104F) amid a heatwave across Europe. The Met Office has said that last month was the driest July in England since 1935, with some regions recording their driest July ever. Earlier on Wednesday, water company South East Water announced a temporary ban on sprinklers and hosepipes in parts of the south of England to protect water supplies in the dry weather.