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Wildfire Risk Soars: Fire Service Warns Against BBQs
13 Jul
Summary
- Fire service urges public to avoid BBQs and bonfires due to extreme wildfire warning.
- Over 60 firefighters tackled a large heathland fire at Blackwater on Saturday.
- Careless cigarette or barbecue extinguishment cited as primary wildfire cause.
Amidst an extreme weather warning for wildfires, fire services are strongly advising the public against having barbeques or bonfires. This alert follows a significant heathland fire in Blackwater, Hampshire, which required the efforts of over 60 firefighters on Saturday, July 12, 2026.
Specialist wildfire equipment and hose reels were deployed to control the blaze, which covered approximately eight hectares of challenging terrain near a quarry. Fire group manager Matt Rowe identified the careless extinguishment of cigarettes and BBQs as the leading cause of recent wildfires.
Fire services across the south of England are facing increased wildfire risks due to recent hot weather, experiencing their third heatwave of 2026. Rowe noted that many weekend incidents originated from bonfires and barbecues. The fire service recommends opting for picnics instead of BBQs and having water readily available if a barbecue is essential.
