AIBU to think a barbecue is unwise in such dry conditions?

[Catsamores]

Neighbour has just started up a bbq. It absolutely stinks and everyone’s shut their windows in the neighbouring houses.

Is it really really stupid considering how crispy dry everything is at the moment and the warning yesterday or AIBU

Only disposable barbeques are banned. A garden barbeque responsibly sited and used safely and not left unattended is not a high fire risk and not a problem.

IMO this falls into the category of 'just because you can, doesn't mean you should' - yes non disposable bbqs are probably ok if used sensibly but is it worth taking that risk?

Depends on the garden..

if the BBQ is in the middle of a dry lawn with patches of overgrown dried out grass to the side and dry fields behind the house.. obviously that would be stupid

if the BBQ is on a stone patio with no obviously flammable stuff in any close proximity? Then I'd hope people can use common sense and realize that this is perfectly safe, even now..

There is obviously a massive grey area in the middle, which is why no one here could actually tell you how risky/stupid your neighbor is being.

I do not like BBQs myself as often the food is not properly cooked. A lot of other food is easily available. I would say it is not safe at the moment.

Well our BBQ (which we haven't used for a few weeks) is gas and we use it on the stone patio about 3m from the lawn... I wouldn't say that was a fire risk! I wouldn't use a charcoal one on or right next to the grass though so it does depend.

Maybe you just don’t know anybody who can use a barbecue. We cook 80% of our food on the barbecue in the summer. Yesterday we had fish with ginger and sweet potatoes with broccoli.

I think it depends on the bbq, I’d not use a disposable or a charcoal kettle one, they still have random sparks, especially if windy, a gas one, on the patio is fine.

People really need to stop making up rules and then judging people against them.

Home barbeques (non disposable) used responsibly are not a high fire risk and it is both legal and perfectly reasonable to continue to use them.

I don’t think I’d chance it right now even sited on a large patio. Only takes a puff of wind to blow up some sparks, unless you’ve got one with a lid.

I was planning on having a birthday BBQ but since government announced I've changed to going out for family meal. A pity because I had meat ordered but now I suppose I'll just have to freeze it for another time. If we have rain in September maybe I could use it then.

We’ve moved a family bbq to cooking indoors today. But it’s being more cautious than is strictly required. I’d go out to avoid the bbq if it’s annoying you.

Why would you risk it? I may be biased as I think they are selfish when it's hot, everybody has to shut their windows or bring their washing in. Our ex neighbours used to light a fire pit at 11 pm during heatwaves while we all sweltered in our shut up house.

I agree but you’ll get a whole lot of justifying posts saying “it’s not banned, I can do it safely, I won’t be told what to do”

there are selfish people everywhere, even on mumsnet

Your family and friends need to learn to cook and not serve undercooked food to their guests

It’s legal but it’s not reasonable

as one poster said. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.