Are You Using Your Garden Fire Pit or Outdoor BBQ Safely?

two fire firefighters extinguishing a fire

As soon as the weather starts to improve, gardens across the UK come back to life. Families dust off their barbecues, friends gather around fire pits, and evenings are spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air. While these simple pleasures are a highlight of spring and summer, they also introduce real fire risks that are often underestimated. Each year, the UK Fire and Rescue Services attend thousands of call-outs linked to outdoor cooking equipment, garden bonfires and accidental fires caused by carelessness.

Using your garden fire pit or outdoor BBQ safely is not about taking the fun out of your evening – it is about ensuring that everyone gets home safely and your property is protected.

Understanding the Risks

Fire pits and barbecues are, by design, controlled fires. However, “controlled” is a fragile concept. A sudden gust of wind, dry grass nearby or a spilt accelerant can turn a relaxed gathering into a dangerous situation in seconds.

Common causes of garden fire incidents include:

  • Using petrol or other accelerants to start or revive a BBQ.

  • Placing hot equipment too close to fences, sheds or decking.

  • Allowing children or pets to wander near naked flames.

  • Leaving a fire pit or barbecue unattended, even for a short time.

  • Disposing of ashes before they have fully cooled.

Even experienced BBQ enthusiasts can make mistakes, particularly after a drink or two.

Choosing the Right Location

Your BBQ or fire pit should always be positioned on a stable, non-flammable surface. Patios and concrete slabs are ideal. Avoid wooden decking, dry grass or areas close to shrubs and fences.

As a general rule, keep your fire equipment at least two metres away from any structure, including sheds, fences, trees and overhanging branches. Remember that heat radiates upwards as well as sideways.

Wind direction matters too. If smoke is blowing towards the house or nearby property, embers can travel further than you think.

Safe Lighting Practices

One of the biggest causes of garden fires in the UK is the use of flammable liquids. Never use petrol, white spirit or other household fuels to light or revive a BBQ or fire pit. These liquids ignite extremely quickly and can explode unexpectedly, causing serious burns.

Instead, use purpose-made firelighters or kindling. Light the fire slowly and give it time to establish. If it will not light, the safest option is to let it cool completely and start again later.

Managing Children, Pets and Alcohol

Children are naturally curious and do not always recognise danger. Pets can be unpredictable around flames. Establish a clear “no-go” zone around your fire pit or BBQ and make sure everyone understands it.

Alcohol also plays a part in many accidents. If you are hosting a gathering, ensure someone remains clear-headed enough to keep an eye on the fire at all times.

Keeping Fire Safety Equipment Close By

Many people only think about fire extinguishers inside the home or workplace, but having one available for outdoor use can be invaluable.

A small dry powder extinguisher can deal with many types of garden fire, including those involving solid materials and cooking equipment. A fire blanket is also useful for smothering small flames or clothing that has caught fire.

The extinguisher should be stored somewhere accessible but not directly next to the fire itself, so you can reach it safely if needed.

Never Leave It Unattended

It can be tempting to nip indoors to fetch something or answer the door, but fires must never be left alone. It takes only a moment for something to go wrong.

When you are finished, allow the fire to burn down naturally. Do not tip water onto hot embers unless necessary, as this can cause splashing. Once the ashes are completely cold, dispose of them in a non-combustible container.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If a fire begins to spread or you feel you cannot control it safely, do not hesitate to call 999 and ask for the fire service. It is far better to call early than to wait until the situation becomes unmanageable.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying your garden should be relaxing, not stressful. By choosing a safe location, lighting your fire properly, supervising it at all times and keeping basic fire safety equipment nearby, you dramatically reduce the risk of a serious incident.

A few sensible precautions now could prevent a lifetime of regret later. Your fire pit or BBQ should create memories – not emergencies.