MPs call for firefighting planes and barbecue bans for UK wildfires

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

MPs have called for disposable barbecue bans, firefighting planes and public campaigns to address escalating UK wildfire threats.

MPs have called for disposable barbecue bans, firefighting planes and Australian-style public campaigns to address escalating UK wildfire threats. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee warned that wildfire is now 'part of our new reality' as climate change intensifies their frequency and severity. Committee chairman Alistair Carmichael said that 'Britain needs a cultural shift that puts us in step with fire-savvy nations such as Australia', calling for public awareness campaigns and restrictions on disposable barbecues at high-risk times of the year. Fire and rescue services need investment in specialist equipment, with new planes a 'minimum requirement', he said.

Following one of the most severe summers for fires on record across the UK, the committee cautioned that blazes can no longer be dismissed as rare or exceptional events. As the UK experienced the hottest summer on record in 2026, with widespread drought in England and Wales, fire crews in the two countries responded to 1,132 wildfires in the year up to August 16 – more than the total recorded in the whole of 2025. Significant fires hit all parts of the UK, from Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains to the Cairngorms in Scotland, the Rhinogydd mountains and South Wales, and Dunwich Heath, the New Forest and Stourbridge in England. The last fire mentioned destroyed 19 homes. An emergency alert was sent to people's mobile phones across England and Wales on 14 August, warning of a very high national wildfire risk.

How it is being reported

• Firefighting planes and BBQ bans needed to combat Britain's wildfire risk, MPs warnNew firefighting planes and disposal barbecue bans are needed to tackle the growing danger of wildfires in the UK, MPs have urged.Sky News · 21 Oct, 05:49
• MPs call for firefighting planes and barbecue ban to combat UK wildfire threat“Britain needs a cultural shift that puts us in step with fire-savvy nations such as Australia,’ Efra chairman Alistair Carmichael saidThe Independent · 21 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Alistair Carmichael · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee · Australia · Northern Ireland · Scotland · Wales · England · New Forest

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