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AIBU?

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Original poster

BBQ party tonight

409 replies

Grumpynan · 15/08/2026 08:29

We have planned a family get together this evening with a charcoal bbq in the garden. I hasten to add it’s a proper one not disposable.

should we still go ahead, or should I play save and cook the food indoors, what’s everyone else doing,

I mean, it stresses disposable bbq, says nothing about kettle ones in a garden. But I don’t want to cause any problems, and tbh we have a lot of trees around us and I’m a little worried, DH says I’m being silly but ?

OP posts:
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8
stichguru · 16/08/2026 10:34

We were going to have a BBQ last night and didn't. Could we have done so safely? Almost certainly -

  • our BBQ is a massive bowl shaped fire pit
  • it sits on a stand a good 2-3 feet off the ground
  • the smaller of the two grills can sit half way up the pit so you can put a small amount of charcoal in the bottom, sit the grill half way up, and easily keep the ashes and flame IN the pit.
We didn't though, because it wasn't worth the risk. There will be plenty more time for BBQs!
Koalatea13 · 16/08/2026 09:19

I know this is a bit late, but could you borrow a gas bbq from someone?

Sherararara · 16/08/2026 09:16

ForeverTheOptomist · 15/08/2026 23:16

@Sherararara critical thinking is lacking? They're seriously lacking in thinking generally. Have you ever been in a fire Sher? No, thought not.

I've never read such an ignorant, self centred, irresponsible post in all my time on MN.

Show quote history

Well at least I can read. What is a fire Sher?

Nonunifiedworkerworking · 16/08/2026 09:06

TallagallaPenguin · 15/08/2026 23:08

No, again, it doesn’t. The press release yesterday on gov.uk gives guidance on how to be extra cautious by safely managing household bbqs. It would not say that if it meant “no bbqs anywhere”. It does say no fires or open flames in the countryside or other open spaces. Not at home.

Of course, people are fine to choose not to bbq. But don’t go around saying that’s what the govt advice says, because it isn’t.

Show quote history

The message sent to millions of people was as per mine and others comments. I didn't read the entire press release whereby they are looping out of what they sent to the millions, as I wasn't attempting to look for a reason to continue having bbq's at this risky time.

Original poster
Grumpynan · 16/08/2026 08:48

So I wanted to update, I get fed up when you never get the OP come back,

basically I showed DH the first few replies and he changes his mind, maybe it wasn’t such a good idea after all. Discussed the whole have water near by and bring the fire extinguisher out from the kitchen, but I was worried about the trees and sparks not just the lawn etc.

in the end everything apart from the meat was done indoors, veg kebabs/stuffed mushrooms/cobs etc. the meat - we dug out my tapenyaki (think that’s spelt right ) the sausages and burgers and chicken etc were all cooked on that, it’s not as big as the bbq but we did it in batches and everyone seemed to enjoy it. No it doesn’t have that bbq taste, but we were outside and it was different and most of all no flames so perfectly save.

we are having a coffee this morning facing the big clean up 😅, and have agreed that actually we should use it more often.

OP posts:
Dalston · 16/08/2026 03:59

Grumpynan · 15/08/2026 08:29

We have planned a family get together this evening with a charcoal bbq in the garden. I hasten to add it’s a proper one not disposable.

should we still go ahead, or should I play save and cook the food indoors, what’s everyone else doing,

I mean, it stresses disposable bbq, says nothing about kettle ones in a garden. But I don’t want to cause any problems, and tbh we have a lot of trees around us and I’m a little worried, DH says I’m being silly but ?

I’m shocked that anyone is contemplating having a bbq. Cook your food indoors. Personally if I had been invited to a bbq I would ring to check that it wasn’t actually a traditional bbq because if it was I wouldn’t want to attend. As for your husband’s insistence well what can I say, you’re married to a W⚓️

ForeverTheOptomist · 15/08/2026 23:16

NotMajorTom · 15/08/2026 12:38

How the fuck is it low risk when there’s a drought on and everything is tinder dry?

I think it’s your critical thinking that’s sadly lacking here.

Show quote history

@Sherararara critical thinking is lacking? They're seriously lacking in thinking generally. Have you ever been in a fire Sher? No, thought not.

I've never read such an ignorant, self centred, irresponsible post in all my time on MN.

zephyr148 · 15/08/2026 23:08

Erin1975 · 15/08/2026 08:44

There is virtually zero risk from using a charcoal BBQ on a patio in your garden. Charcoal once lit has no flames or sparks.

The problem with the disposable BBQs is not the charcoal it is that people take them to remote locations to start a fire and also leavethem behing as the are too lazy to put them out properly and take them home.

Finally some sense.

TallagallaPenguin · 15/08/2026 23:08

Nonunifiedworkerworking · 15/08/2026 22:38

Are you missing the part It says including disposable, that actually means all BBQs anything that could ignite things not just disposable or BBQ things.

Show quote history

No, again, it doesn’t. The press release yesterday on gov.uk gives guidance on how to be extra cautious by safely managing household bbqs. It would not say that if it meant “no bbqs anywhere”. It does say no fires or open flames in the countryside or other open spaces. Not at home.

Of course, people are fine to choose not to bbq. But don’t go around saying that’s what the govt advice says, because it isn’t.

BBQ party tonight
Nonunifiedworkerworking · 15/08/2026 22:38

Perimenipausalmum · 15/08/2026 19:41

It only said disposable BBQ's

Are you missing the part It says including disposable, that actually means all BBQs anything that could ignite things not just disposable or BBQ things.

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 15/08/2026 22:32

LoyalAquaAnt · 15/08/2026 21:48

What could go wrong on a campsite ...

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It was very responsible honestly

LoyalAquaAnt · 15/08/2026 21:48

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 15/08/2026 21:47

There’s nothing wrong with using a bbq in your garden just not near a fence. We’ve gone camping and have used a raised gas cooker

What could go wrong on a campsite ...

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 15/08/2026 21:47

There’s nothing wrong with using a bbq in your garden just not near a fence. We’ve gone camping and have used a raised gas cooker

MsCrawford · 15/08/2026 21:29

We were going to have a little bbq for tea tomorrow as ds11 had asked for Bbq sausages - when we had the alert (and finally the English version arrived, as we couldn’t read the first Welsh one, so presumed Armageddon was approaching!) we just said we will leave it this weekend and do it again when we can. It’s not a big deal to delay bbq’ing til safe surely.

greencitrine · 15/08/2026 21:22

MiceSpiders · 15/08/2026 21:20

She didn't know it would catch fire until it did

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Well no.

But cars don't involve open flames by design, only by accident. And driving is a lot less optional than cooking food on a barbecue.

MiceSpiders · 15/08/2026 21:20

greencitrine · 15/08/2026 21:10

Not in that car, no. Seems obvious tbh.

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She didn't know it would catch fire until it did

amraa · 15/08/2026 21:12

Disposable bbqs have all been taken on the shelf in stores and overheard another customer being told that they aren’t allowed to sell any. I would’ve thought a proper bbq would be fine but I think I’d avoid it but as you’ve already arranged it, I would use it as it isn’t those ones we need to worry about but at the same time I like to stay cautious

greencitrine · 15/08/2026 21:10

MiceSpiders · 15/08/2026 20:44

My mum's car caught fire, should we not drive either?

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Not in that car, no. Seems obvious tbh.

Floppyearedlab · 15/08/2026 21:06

Do not bbq. It isn't necessary. Have some respect for those who have lost their homes.

EasternStandard · 15/08/2026 20:56

MildlyMoist · 15/08/2026 20:16

It says ‘any activity that could cause a fire’, including disposable barbecues.

A charcoal or gas barbecue is also an activity that could cause a fire.

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I think a better defined system such as the Aus one is a good idea.

MiceSpiders · 15/08/2026 20:44

CandidHedgehog · 15/08/2026 18:47

Tell that to my sister whose gas BBQ caught on fire.

Edited
Show quote history

My mum's car caught fire, should we not drive either?

MiceSpiders · 15/08/2026 20:42

By way of an update, we had the BBQ, my cousin who is a firefighter was present, as was my great uncle who is a retired chief fire officer, no fires were caused and this will make you all feel reassured. It rained.

Thestealer · 15/08/2026 20:22

It's like covid all over again.

MildlyMoist · 15/08/2026 20:17

Amazed at the lengths people will go to in order to justify setting fire to stuff in their garden so dad can play billy big bollocks marinading his steaks and wearing a comedy apron.

Right up to the point at which they’re calling the brigade to put out their burning fence before it reaches the house.

MildlyMoist · 15/08/2026 20:16

Perimenipausalmum · 15/08/2026 19:41

It only said disposable BBQ's

It says ‘any activity that could cause a fire’, including disposable barbecues.

A charcoal or gas barbecue is also an activity that could cause a fire.