Southampton City Council is urging residents to stop using disposable barbecues until further notice as dry and sunny conditions continue to increase the risk of wildfires across the country.

The warning follows a number of significant fires nationally and locally, including a recent fire in Weston, and comes as parks, open spaces and grassland remain exceptionally dry. The council is asking everyone to play their part in protecting Southampton’s green spaces by avoiding activities that could spark a fire. The increased risk of fires during hot, dry weather and the advice to avoid disposable barbecues is consistent with existing council and resilience partnership messaging.

Residents are being asked not to use disposable barbecues in parks, green spaces, beaches or any outdoor area for the foreseeable future. Even when extinguished, disposable barbecues can retain heat for hours and can quickly ignite dry grass and vegetation.

The council is also reminding people that other everyday items can pose a fire risk in hot weather. Bottles, jars and broken glass left in grassland can magnify the sun’s rays and potentially start a fire. Cigarette ends and smoking materials must always be extinguished properly and disposed of responsibly, never thrown onto the ground or from vehicles.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Environment and Net Zero said: “We want everyone to enjoy Southampton’s parks and open spaces this summer, but we need people to use good sense and recognise the very real fire risk posed by the current conditions.

“A single disposable barbecue, cigarette end or piece of discarded glass can have devastating consequences for our parks, wildlife, neighbouring properties and the emergency services who respond.

“Our message is simple: please do not use disposable barbecues until further notice. Help us spread the word to friends, family and neighbours so we can all do our part to prevent fires and protect our green spaces.”

“The last thing we want is to see fire crews diverted from other emergencies because of a preventable fire caused by a disposable barbecue, discarded cigarette or litter left in our parks.”

The council is encouraging residents to continue enjoying Southampton’s parks and open spaces safely. Instead of barbecues, people are encouraged to bring a picnic, enjoy the sunshine responsibly and leave green spaces exactly as they found them.

Visitors are also being asked to:

• Take all litter home if bins are full.
• Use bins provided wherever possible.
• Never leave rubbish beside or on top of bins.
• Dispose of cigarette ends safely.
• Remove bottles, cans and glass when leaving outdoor areas.
• Report fires or dangerous behaviour immediately.

Southampton’s parks and open spaces are enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors every year and provide important habitats for wildlife. Preventing fires helps protect these valuable community spaces for everyone.

The council is asking residents to share this message widely and help ensure Southampton’s parks remain safe, clean and open for all to enjoy throughout the summer.