Tesco halts sales of disposable barbecues over wildfires

Tesco has removed disposable barbecues from sale across all its stores in Ireland as major wildfires continue to burn in Wicklow and Killarney.

In a statement, the company said that the action is taken “in response to concerns around wildfire risk and the safe use of disposable barbecues, following a voluntary ask from the relevant authorities”.

Earlier this week, the Department of Enterprise asked retailers to suspend the sale of disposable barbecues for the duration of a Status Orange wildfire warning.

The recommendation was not legally binding.

It is believed disposable barbecue items are behind the recent wildfire in Killarney and are proving a fire hazard in parks more generally in the current conditions.

A Status Orange wildfire warning is currently in place nationally.

The National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group met today to discuss the impacts of the ongoing period of high temperatures.

Separately, the Cabinet will next week discuss proposals for an outright ban on disposable barbecues across Ireland’s national parks.

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan has welcomed the move by Tesco, saying it was a responsible and timely action that demonstrates real environmental and community leadership.

Tesco should be commended for taking the initiative, he added.

He said he hopes other retailers will now follow Tesco’s lead and take similar precautionary measures during this period of heightened fire risk.

Meanwhile, the wildfire at Killarney National Park continues to flare in hotspots and has not yet been fully extinguished.

Mr O’Sullivan said National Parks and Wildlife Service staff, firefighters and other emergency personnel have been working tirelessly for almost three days to bring the dangerous fires under control.

“The current conditions serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that fires can have on our landscapes, wildlife, local communities, and the dedicated emergency services who respond to them.

“By working together, we can all play our part in protecting the countryside, its wildlife and habitats, supporting our emergency responders, and reducing the risk of further devastating fires,” he said.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, appealed to the public to be extra vigilant when visiting national parks and to remember that disposable barbecues are not permitted.

“I want people to enjoy the sunshine, but please do not put yourself or the environment around you in harm’s way,” he said.

Mr Browne said he was hugely disappointed to see the extensive fire damage at Killarney National Park caused by a disposable barbecue.

“It’s outrageous. It’s frustrating. It’s entirely avoidable when it’s caused by people like this. There is no excuse in my view. We have to do better here,” he said.

Mr Browne’s comments came after a meeting of the National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group, which is coordinating the nationwide response to the continued high temperatures.

He appealed to the public to look out for anyone who may need assistance and to heed the advice of the HSE, Met Éireann, local emergency services and county council updates over the weekend.

“Remember, when outdoors, to wear a hat and stay hydrated. Be extra careful around the sea, our rivers and lakes, regardless of your swimming experience or ability. Please take care.”