Emergency Alert: Our Thoughts on the “BBQ Ban” of 2026

Let’s clear something up straight away — it’s not a BBQ ban. It’s a ban on disposable BBQs, specifically the sale of them. The emergency alert we all received also mentioned firepits, garden incinerators, and fireworks. So why these items?

Why Disposable BBQs Are Banned

Disposable BBQs sit directly on the ground. They get extremely hot and can scorch or ignite anything they touch while they’re lit. Once you’ve finished cooking, they’re still too hot to move or dispose of safely, and even if you manage  to come up with a safe disposal plan, the ground underneath stays hot for hours.

In our opinion, these things should have been banned years ago.

Why Firepits, Incinerators & Fireworks Are Included

Firepits and incinerators produce large flames and spit embers into the air — a dangerous combination when the countryside is a tinderbox. Fireworks are even more obvious: launching an explosive into the sky only for a hot shell to land somewhere unknown is not smart in extremely dry conditions.

So… What About Proper BBQ?

In our view, there’s no reason you can’t BBQ safely — as long as you manage the risk and take sensible precautions. As a family that grew up in an extremely dry, fire‑prone part of the world, here are some practical tips for barbecuing responsibly in this climate.

Location: Choose a Safe Spot

• Check your surroundings for anything flammable - stay well away from dry grass, overhanging trees, tents, gazebos, decking, and sheds.
  
• "Do not light fires, or open flames, in the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas." - gov.uk
• If it’s windy, don’t light a fire — wind and flames are a dangerous mix.
• If you find a permitted area, follow “Leave No Trace” principles: if you can’t take it home, don’t bring it.

Fire Control: Be Ready Before You Light Up

A properly rated, in‑date fire extinguisher is ideal. If you don’t have one:

• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby.
• Use a spray bottle with water in to control small flare‑ups.
• It’s better to break a hosepipe ban than deal with an out‑of‑control fire (not legal advice🫣).

Fuel: Choose Safer, More Predictable Options

• Use good briquettes over lumpwood or wood — they spit less and burn more predictably.
• Avoid accelerants entirely - no petrol, paraffin, or flammable liquids to start or revive a fire.
• Use wood‑wool firelighters; they’re safe, natural and effective.

BBQ or Smoker: Pick the Right Equipment

• Ideally use something with a lid you can close while cooking.
• Make sure the vents can be fully closed to extinguish the coals.
• If your BBQ doesn’t have a lid, stay with it until it’s completely cool.

Clean Up: Cool, Contain, and Dispose Safely

• Leave ash in the BBQ with the lid and vents closed until cool.
• Or use a metal ash bucket with a tight‑fitting lid.
• If your BBQ has no lid, cover it with a metal tray until everything is fully extinguished and cold.

Never Leave a Fire Unattended

Not even for a minute. If you need to step away, get someone to watch it. Fires can go from controlled to raging shockingly fast.

If You Spot a Fire

• Call 999 immediately.
• Have your what3words, map coordinates, or address ready.
• Quick reporting protects lives and countryside.