East Suffolk Council
Barbecues and open fires
The use of portable BBQ’s and open fires on Council-owned land is prohibited, unless specific permission has been granted (and a fee paid) through an application to the Council’s Events Team.
This policy directly relates to The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act) Schedule 2 which prohibits activities including that “a person cannot light or tend a fire or undertake any act which is likely to cause a fire.”
It also acknowledges bye-laws and Public Spaces Protection Orders in place in East Suffolk relating to beaches and seafronts, to prevent fire starting.
The Council’s policy covers the following:
- BBQs
- Sky lanterns
- Open Fires / beacons
- Fireworks
- Candles
- Any other naked flame
With increased temperatures during the summer months there is an increased risk of wildfires. The better weather means that more people are spending more time eating outdoors and with the price and availability of portable BBQs it has meant that there has been a huge increase in their use. This has led to a significant increase in fires related to portable BBQs generally in the UK. This also relates to other types of naked flames, such as sky lanterns, set off for events.
We understand that the public may be disappointed in our approach, but the risks from portable BBQ’s and other naked flames not being disposed of correctly or not being extinguished correctly include:
- Fire risk to properties and infrastructure near places that are considered high risk.
- Risk to life from wildfire.
- Risk to staff that’s not necessarily life threatening, such as burns and smoke inhalation.
- Risks to rescue services when having to deal with wildfires.
- Fire risk damaging habitats and species.
- Risks through waste disposal, including bin and refuse lorry fires.
- Risks to livestock and animal (wild and domestic) health and wellbeing through fire risk and disturbance
- Impacts on the environment e.g. littering on land, discarded coals in the soil and in waterways and risk of consequent physical harm to livestock and wildlife
- Impact to other users of the sites, such as the smoke generated by BBQs.