– The government must see that the time for disposable grills is over, says parliamentary representative for the Green Party (MDG) Lan Marie Berg. MDG and the Fire Protection Association now want a ban on disposable grills in Norway. The main reason is the fire hazard. But they also point to the environmental impact the product has. So far this year, there have been just under 400 forest fires in Norway. This is shown by figures from the Directorate for Social Security and Emergency Preparedness (DSB). The fire service believes this disposable grill started the forest fire in Indre Østfold. Photo: INDRE ØSTFOLD FIRE AND RESCUE On Thursday it emerged that the fire in Trømborgfjella in Indre Østfold was probably started by a disposable grill. The fire has raged for over three days. – The increased risk of forest fires that we are seeing is very worrying. The disposable grill in Indre Østfold is just one of many examples, says Berg. Believes the authorities must take action According to DSB, 9 out of 10 fires are caused by human activity. So far this year, just over half of the registered fires have had open flames as the presumed ignition source. The Norwegian Fire Protection Association has been calling for a ban on disposable grills for several years. Now the association believes that it is high time that it is introduced. – In terms of experience, the product has led to a number of fires. The reason is simple. It is used in areas that are not prepared, and no one wants to take the disposable grill home with them, says managing director of the fire protection association Rolf Søtorp. Do you think disposable grills should be banned? In 2018, 2,079 forest fires were registered in Norway. That’s a record number. Several stores then chose to stop selling disposable grills. Søtorp believes it is wrong that business must take responsibility. – In order for there to be a loyalty to removing the disposable grill from the market, the authorities must step in, he says. The Fire Protection Association receives support for the ban from several members of the fire service. The fire brigade is working on its third day to contain the forest fire in Trømborgfjella in Indre Østfold. Photo: INDRE ØSTFOLD FIRE AND RESCUE The risk of forest fire for parts of Eastern Norway and in Agder has now been upgraded to orange. – When it dries for so long, it gradually rises to the highest level we have of forest fire danger, which is large and orange, says state meteorologist Siri Wiberg. More alternatives to disposable barbecues Between 15 April and 15 September there is a general ban on bonfires in Norway. This means that it is not permitted to light bonfires, disposable grills, fire pans and other open fires in forests and outback without permission from the municipality. The municipalities can also impose a total ban. The Fire Protection Association believes that many people do not know that the bonfire ban also applies to disposable grills. Søtorp believes people should make use of alternatives on the market. – It’s a bit more work, but in a modern world of reuse, this disposable grill has played its role completely. MDG will now propose a ban on disposable barbecues in the Storting. But Berg hopes the government itself will take action. – We may enter a summer with a high risk of forest fires, so it is important to take the professional advice seriously and see what the disposable grills can cause for the risk of forest fires – and that products are harmful to the environment, says Lan Marie Berg. The Ministry of Climate and the Environment has not responded to news’s inquiry on Friday.
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Will ban disposable grills – news Oslo og Viken – Local news, TV and radio
