Barbecues
A British summer isn’t complete without enjoying a barbecue. However, before you start cooking over hot coals, get prepared by reading our essential barbecue tips for staying safe whilst having fun with family and friends:
NEVER
- Never use petrol to get it going. Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals - use the minimum necessary.
- Never leave a lit barbecue unattended.
- Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin - they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.
- Never light barbecues in enclosed spaces.
AVOID
- Avoid drinking alcohol if you are in charge of the BBQ, and keep children and pets away from it.
ALWAYS
- Keep your barbecue well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences or trees.
- Ensure the BBQ is cool before attempting to move it.
Garden Fires
Every year we attend fires in gardens that have accidentally got out of control and spread, setting fire to trees, fences and even buildings.
If you do have a garden bonfire, please follow our safety advice.
NEVER
- Never light bonfires on a gusty day as they will burn more fiercely and can flare up unexpectedly.
- Never use flammable liquids like petrol or paraffin to start fires.
- Never leave a lit fire unattended.
ALWAYS
- Always site bonfires away from trees, shrubs, fences, garden structures and buildings.
- Always make sure garden fires are contained, ideally in an incinerator or fire pit, and can’t spread.
- Always keep water or a hosepipe close by.
- Always make sure the fire is fully extinguished, with no hot embers, before you leave it.
- Always add fuel (cuttings, branches, etc.) a bit at a time.
- Always think of your neighbours, make sure smoke from bonfires doesn’t affect them.
What is the law?
There are no laws against having bonfires in your garden but there are laws for the nuisance they may cause. Most nuisance complaints will be dealt with by the environmental health department of your local council.
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