Calls are growing for a ban on disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfire devastation.
The plea comes a year after a major blaze in North Yorkshire destroyed peat moorland and burned through an area ten times the size of the Great Fire of London.
Jo Coles and Mayor David Skaith have renewed their call for a county-wide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, welcoming news that the Government is now considering national action.
Ms Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said: "This time last year, a fire was raging on the North Yorkshire moors, burning into precious peatbeds and destroying around 25km2, an area of moorland ten times the size of the Great Fire of London.
"It was, tragically, one of the largest wildfires ever in the UK."
Ms Coles added that the fire was "almost certainly" caused by an open cooking flame, and a more recent wildfire in Wykeham Forest near Scarborough was confirmed to have been started by a disposable barbecue.
Ms Coles added: "We cannot afford to wait for another major wildfire before action is taken.
"All retailers can show leadership now and remove these items from sale."
Some retailers are said to have responded positively to this call.
Share