LAST UPDATE | 17 Jul

TESCO HAS REMOVED all disposable barbecues from sale across its stores in Ireland following concerns over the risk of wildfires during the current spell of hot and dry weather.

Tesco said the decision was made following a voluntary request from the relevant authorities to all retail outlets, as firefighters continue to battle a blaze in Killarney National Park that is believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue.

A Tesco Ireland spokesperson told The Journal: “In response to concerns around wildfire risk and the safe use of disposable barbecues, following a voluntary ask from the relevant authorities, we have taken the decision to remove disposable BBQs from sale across all stores.”

Disposable barbecues also appear to have been pulled from Tesco’s website. The item is still available in a number of other Irish retail outlets.

The government had asked all retailers on Thursday to voluntarily stop selling disposable barbecues, as they risk starting fires.

The Social Democrats said the move doesn’t go far enough, and called for a complete ban on the convenience products during Status Orange wildfire warnings.

Minister for Nature Christopher O’Sullivan has welcomed Tesco’s decision and commended them for taking it at a time “when two major wildfires continue to burn” in Wicklow Mountains National Park and in Killarney National Park.

“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,” he said. 

“I hope that other retailers will now follow the excellent leadership shown by Tesco and take similar precautionary measures during this period of heightened fire risk.

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

The fire in Killarney National Park has been burning for four days and has scorched more than 20 hectares of the park.

It is suspected to have been ignited by a disposable barbecue that was used on a ledge overlooking the Long Range area of the park.

Water being dropped on the fires in Killarney National Park on Thursday. Valerie O'Sullivan Valerie O'Sullivan

Fire crews, National Parks and Wildlife Service staff and helicopters carrying water have been deployed to tackle the blaze, with flare-ups continuing in recent days.

Kerry County Council has warned that road closures in the area may be necessary as conditions remain unpredictable.

The move by Tesco also comes as Coillte has extended its Status Orange High Forest Fire Risk Warning until midday on Monday.

The forestry company said the combination of continued dry weather, high temperatures and dry vegetation has significantly increased the risk of wildfires across the country, particularly in eastern areas.

It urged landowners and members of the public to avoid all outdoor fires and other open ignition sources, warning that visitors to forests and recreational areas should not light barbecues or other outdoor fires while the warning remains in place.