Tips to be safe with fire

As the days grow longer and the weather improves, you may find yourself spending more time outdoors enjoying gardens, parks, and barbeques.

While warmer months bring plenty of opportunities to relax and socialise, they also come with an increased risk of fire. 

Why does the risk of fires increase in warmer weather? 

During warmer months, the grass and leaves can dry out, becoming highly flammable.

Even a small spark can spread rapidly, particularly in windy conditions.

At the same time, we tend to use more outdoor heat sources, such as barbecues, fire pits and camping stoves.

By taking a few sensible precautions, you can help to reduce the risk of fires and protect your friends, accommodation and the natural environment.

Barbecue safety

Barbecues are a popular feature of summer, but they should always be used responsibly. 

Note: Barbecues and any other fire lighting is banned from Leeds’s parks and greenspaces, however picnics are more than welcome.

If you’re looking to having a barbecue to celebrate, please make sure you only use designated barbecue areas – including for disposable barbecues. If you are unsure where you can have a barbeque around your halls, ask your site team.

Barbecue tips: 

• Always barbecue outdoors, well away from buildings, fences, sheds and overhanging trees.

• Place barbecues on flat, stable surfaces and never leave them unattended.

• Keep flammable items at a safe distance.

• Use only appropriate lighting products – never use petrol or accelerants to start or revive a fire.

• Ensure the barbecue is fully cooled before disposing of ashes or packing it away.

Disposable barbecues should be placed on heat‑proof surfaces and never used on dry grass, picnic tables or balconies, as heat can transfer underneath and start a fire long after you think it’s safe.

Using fire pits responsibly

Open fires require extra care to use them safely. 

• Only light fires where permitted and follow local rules or guidance.

• Keep fires small and under control.

• Never leave a fire unattended, even for a short time.

• Have water, sand or a fire extinguisher nearby in case the fire spreads.

• Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

• In very dry conditions, it is often safest to avoid open fires altogether.
  

Protecting local wildlife

Fires outdoors can increase the risk of accidental fires caused by ash and falling embers, which can spread very quickly on dry grass. They can also cause damage to the natural environment and have devastating effect on local wildlife and vegetation.

• Never light fires or barbecues in grassland, moorland or wooded areas unless specifically allowed.

• Be mindful of signs warning of high fire risk during hot or dry weather.

• Even small, unintentional fires can have devastating and long‑lasting effects on natural habitats.