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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have a BBQ on Sunday - Yes or No?

111 replies

BarbieQuestion · 12/08/2022 23:23

Yes I'm unreasonable for lighting a BBQ and cooking food or no I am not unreasonable?

Just in a garden, no grass just hard standing.

OP posts:
Hobbesmanc · 13/08/2022 08:51

Big birthday bbq planned here. We're in the North West. Didn't cross my mind and obviously not many others as the bbq food aisle in Sainsbury's was emptying fast last night.

I only read about the withdrawal from sale of disposable ones. Makes sense as they are more likely to be taken to parks, countryside etc.

Oblomov22 · 13/08/2022 08:53

Gas BBQ's are fine, surely?

girlmom21 · 13/08/2022 08:54

midgetastic · 13/08/2022 08:49

Fire service advise is not to use a disposable BBQ even at home as well as being careful in general

Disposables should be banned full stop

SmellyStinkyPong · 13/08/2022 08:55

Snap @girlmom21 but we have been asked not to at the moment
Do you not watch the news?
Fire services are stretched to the limit normally, your discomfort cooking in your kitchen does not top trump that
Grow up and act like a responsible adult

MissMaple82 · 13/08/2022 08:56

Irresponsible, a spark could ignore on surrounding grass, why can people not abide by rules anymore..just hold off until next week when it's cooler

MissMaple82 · 13/08/2022 08:57

girlmom21 · 13/08/2022 07:58

Are people really not having bbq's because it's been a bit dry? It's too hot to cook inside!

Have a salad!!!

picklemewalnuts · 13/08/2022 08:59

Re cooking inside- use a slow cooker or instant pot. They generate barely any excess heat. I made a cake yesterday. I've cooked chicken and potatoes for salad. It's really good.

Please don't BBQ, even a gas one. Smoke contains ash particles which can be hot enough to start fires. It may be low risk, but when compost is spontaneously combusting, why would you risk it?

5foot5 · 13/08/2022 09:02

We are having one tonight. However we are in th North West not in a drought area. Grass is still green in our back garden. Want to get it in thw weekend because weather forecast is for rain every day next week

Selkiesarereal · 13/08/2022 09:09

All depends on where you are, if you are in a drought area or even an area that you s very dry then no, if you are in the rain sodden part of the country I am in, crack on, finally a decent day!

Runwalkskijump · 13/08/2022 09:10

MyLifeIsFictional · 12/08/2022 23:25

Err why not?

Fire Brigade are asking people not to due to increase in house and wildfires

Beelezebub · 13/08/2022 09:13

Given that everything around me is basically kindling at the moment and there was a heath fire when the temps hit 40 a few weeks ago, I don’t need telling not to have a BBQ - sparks carry and I’m not stupid.

wetpebbles · 13/08/2022 10:06

No I wouldn't, wait til next week after we've had some rain

lanthanum · 13/08/2022 10:10

We've had a few tree fires around here - consider whether any sparks might reach trees (especially if you have a breeze, as we do here).

megletthesecond · 13/08/2022 10:11

No.
Wait a week until some rain has taken the edge off. The fire service are already ran off their feet thanks to people who smoke and must have bbqs.

LaCasa · 13/08/2022 10:21

If you're in a drought area I wouldn't.

We're not, so if the rain stays off we'll be bbq'ing later. Low risk of needing the fire brigade here, so our local fire crew can spend the night shift eating, sleeping and watching tv as normal. (Ex husband loved his night shifts whilst I was up all night with the kids, perfect job for the lazy bastard).

User639921 · 13/08/2022 10:36

I was away in my caravan and practically the whole site had gas barbecues going every evening, I'm sure that is not going to stop.

SquirrelSoShiny · 13/08/2022 11:43

Normally I would say just be careful but atm I think it's actual insanity anywhere in southern England and Midlands. Like completely crazy and irresponsible.

lightand · 13/08/2022 13:27

Going by this thread, people need educating in fire safety.

Moggyd · 13/08/2022 14:19

There is a massive fire in Dorset at the moment. Wildlife killed, water used to put it out. Firefighters at risk And all because someone ignored the rules and had a campfire and a barbecue. I just don't get it. Just follow the rules for once people. Lives depend on it.

heyitsthistle · 13/08/2022 14:24

This week 15 gardens and dozens of people were evacuated from a fire caused by a chimnea near where I live. Looked absolutely apocalyptic.

If you have a gas BBQ then go for it, but if you're using charcoal then please don't. All it takes is one rogue spark.

LaingsAcidTab · 13/08/2022 14:31

@BarbieQuestion - Please don't. The problem is that the UK is not used to this kind of situation, so many of the answers here will be underplaying the risks, or just plain wrong.

Having lived in a country where it was dry for an entire season, but warm throughout, the possibility of wildfires was taken very seriously, and a BBQ, off the ground or not, creates sparks that can travel a fair distance.

LaingsAcidTab · 13/08/2022 14:32

lightand · 13/08/2022 13:27

Going by this thread, people need educating in fire safety.

I agree. I'm gobsmacked by the lack of common sense on here.

StorieAnna · 13/08/2022 14:41

I’m in a holiday house in the south. We’ve been asked by the owners ( and local Fbrigade) to not light anything, candles, barbecue or smoke.

I’m sticking to it..,there would be nothing worse than burning this garden ,the house and any house nearby.
Far too risky for a few outdoor sausages!

toomuchlaundry · 13/08/2022 15:35

Imagine having to evacuate an area when you are in the nude