What considerations is the Welsh Government giving to regulating the use of disposable barbecues, specifically given the risk they pose to public land and public safety?
The Welsh Government has no current powers to regulate the use of disposable barbeques in Wales. Disposable barbecues are one possible cause of accidental grass or moorland fires others include discarded cigarettes and camping stoves. Our approach is to educate people to respect the countryside and how to safely extinguish and dispose of barbecues after use.
The Fire and Rescue Services (FRS), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Keep Wales Tidy and National Parks provide advice to the public on the dangers posed by disposable barbecues, including advice on their safe use and disposal. Most moorland fires are started deliberately, not because of the negligent use of barbecues, and partnership work between the FRS, Police and NRW has led to a sustained decline in such incidents in Wales.
The Welsh Government is committed through its Clean Air Plan for Wales to look at the practicalities, advantages and challenges of regulating outdoor appliances and fuels, which would include disposable barbecues.