NEWS | Why We Need To Rethink Our Use of Disposable Barbecues

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I’m just going to come out and say it and my view might not be popular but here it is anyway – disposable barbecues are dangerous and destructive in the wrong hands and need to be banned.

Disposable barbecue
Us using a disposable barbecue a few years ago, off the ground and safely!

Here in the UK we are seeing unprecedented growth in the number of wildfires starting due to an increase in hot, dry weather, and whilst I’m not for one moment suggesting that disposable barbecues are to blame for these wildfires, they do present a very real fire risk.

With hotter, drier weather becoming more prevalent so the risk of wildfires increases. In fact, a report in New Scientist published yesterday claims that the UK has already had more wildfires in 2019 than in any other year on record.

You’ll of course remember the huge blaze in 2018 up on the Lancashire moors which damaged vast areas of beautiful Winter Hill and took more than a week to extinguish. Whilst this particular blaze was thought to have been started deliberately, it has been speculated that the recent fire in the hills above Dovestone reservoir may have been started by a barbecue.

This prompted a total ban of barbecues in the region due to the very real threat they pose in an area that is tinder dry and at high risk of wildfires.

Now, my evidence may be largely anecdotal here, but I’ve lost count of the number of camping and glamping site owners that I’ve talked to who have had land and property damaged by guests using disposable barbecues, plonked on top of wooden tables, decking or directly on the grass.

Most disposable barbecues do come with spindly wire legs that can be attached, but I’ve rarely observed people actually bothering to use them.

Up on Saddleworth a few days ago, and despite the barbecue ban being firmly in place, Dovestone marshals came across a disposable barbecue being used directly on the floor on top of dry vegetation that could have easily ignited and spread quickly.

Common sense and respect for the natural environment

Last year on our annual camping trip to Wales with a big group of friends, we were disappointed to find that our favourite coastal campsite had decided to temporarily ban campfires whilst we were there.

The ability to sit around a campfire is one of the big reasons we choose this particular campsite year after year, but totally understood and abided by the decision.

Safe barbecue grills for camping

The summer had been long and hot with very little rain and we could clearly see how dry the land was – the rule made total sense. Despite this, we spotted one set of campers who went ahead and lit a fire anyway! The ignorance of some people never ceases to amaze.

Must we really go to the extreme of banning the sale of disposable barbecues to avoid this annual devastation to the countryside? It seems too many people are just to unwilling to use them (and dispose of them) responsibly.

The very real cost of wildfires

Of course, as soon as the sun is out we all want to get outdoors to enjoy it and campfires and barbecues are all part of the great British summer experience, especially for campers, but we have to be aware of and take steps to mitigate the risks.

Wildfires don’t only pose a risk to local wildlife and vegetation, but tackling such huge blazes is dangerous and takes an enormous amount of resources. In fact the fire last year on Winter Hill is thought to have cost in the region of £750k.

Flouting no-fire rules is dangerous and downright inexcusable and I’m inclined to agree with Saddleworth North councillor Garth Harkness who wants to see the local council introduce a bylaw to allow £1,000 fines for those using barbecues in non-permitted areas.

Portable reusable barbecues are generally more robust and have a stand or legs built into them, helping to keep distance between the hot base and the ground, though great care still needs to be taken when used.

People are much less likely to litter and leave the entire thing behind when it’s something reusable too. As well as the risk of damage and sparking wildfires, single-use barbecues are almost never disposed of, with people who use them, especially out and about in wild places, cooking their food and then just leaving them there for the litter fairy to clean up presumably.

If you must insist on using a disposable barbecue, then please have some respect for the natural environment and also ensure you are aware of local bylaws and if you are camping on private land, any site rules relating to fires and barbecues.

In critical fire danger areas likes Dovestone reservoir, campfires and barbecues of any sort are currently banned due to the high risk of fire and should not be used under any circumstances.

Disposable Barbecue Safety Tips

  • Always place disposable barbecues on an even surface, for example, on top of either bricks or paving slabs
  • Never place disposable barbecues on or near wooden tables or benches
  • Always ensure that disposable barbecues are fully extinguished and completely cool before putting it in a bin and remember it will take several hours for a barbecue to cool fully
  • Don’t use disposable barbecues close to buildings, sheds, fences or vegetation
  • Never leave barbecues or any kind of fire unattended
  • Keep a bucket of water, sand or a fire extinguisher to hand
  • Never empty embers or ashes onto the ground – it’s often difficult to spot still-burning embers which can easily ignite dry vegetation
  • Leave no trace! If you’re in the countryside using a disposable barbecue it’s your responsibility to dispose of it safely
  • Consider investing in something safe and reusable like the Valiant Nomad portable barbecue.

Read more tips for a safe barbecue here.

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