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UK Supermarkets Halt Barbecue Sales Amid Fire Risk
13 Aug
Summary
- Major UK supermarkets suspended disposable barbecue sales.
- Dry weather has turned parts of the UK into a tinderbox.
- Drought conditions threaten water supplies in England and Wales.
Supermarkets across the UK have ceased selling disposable barbecues, adhering to recent guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council. This move comes as the country grapples with an extended period of hot, dry weather that has created significant wildfire risks.
Fire services report that the high temperatures and lack of rain have made many areas a 'tinderbox,' exacerbating the potential for fires to spread rapidly and intensely. This situation places considerable pressure on emergency services.
Nearly three-quarters of England and the entirety of Wales are currently under drought conditions, impacting water supplies for various sectors. Experts warn that without substantial cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the climate crisis will lead to worsening conditions in the future. Government officials are considering measures to adapt to rising temperatures, including improvements to essential services like hospitals and schools.
Additionally, a water company has applied for a drought order that would prohibit non-essential water use for businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, potentially affecting around 165,000 people if approved.
