Only a handful of fines have been issued to Londoners using disposable barbecues in public spaces over the last three years — despite repeated warnings from fire chiefs, figures shared with The Standard reveal.
Throwaway grills were responsible for more than 300 fire-related callouts in the capital between January 2022 and May 2025, 17 of which resulted in casualties.
Disposable BBQs, which are banned in most parks, are also among the most common causes of grass fires.
Yet during this period, just three London councils — Brent, Richmond and Wandsworth — issued a combined 27 fixed-penalty notices (FPNs) to those caught using disposable BBQs in prohibited areas.
The figures exclude outdoor areas owned by private landlords or public bodies such as the Royal Parks.
Tom Richmond, Group Operations Director of Safety Group UK, which obtained the data, said: "These figures show a gap between the scale of BBQ-related emergencies and enforcement action. It suggests either a lack of necessary powers or not enough resources for enforcement."
We're incredibly sad to say that there was a fire at Morden Hall Park this weekend, caused by a disposable BBQ.
— Morden Hall Park NT (@MordenHallPkNT) July 25, 2022
Everyone was safe, but it's had a devastating effect, obliterating the meadow.
We urge you not to use BBQs onsite, as they can quickly become very dangerous. pic.twitter.com/GoGEdpSJXM
And Vikki Slade, the Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, who is campaigning for a ban on the sale of disposable BBQs, said: “I’ve have written to the government about the consultation that took place on this issue.
“They’ve confirmed they will not take further action, arguing that local authorities already have sufficient powers.
“With hotter, drier summers becoming the norm, a lack of national leadership and already-stretched fire service budgets means the risk of fires will only increase without proper safety measures being put in place.”
The London Fire Brigade has repeatedly called for a national ban on disposable BBQs amid growing safety concerns.
Supermarkets such as Aldi and Waitrose have also stopped selling disposables in 2022, due to the detrimental impact they have on the environment.
Of the estimated one million disposable BBQ purchased in the UK each year, the vast majority are sent straight to landfill.
It only takes one stray ember landing on dry grass to spark a devastating fire
If not extinguished properly, disposable BBQs can remain hot for hours and cause untold damage, especially when the ground is dry during heatwaves.
In 2023, a disposable BBQ ignited a large blaze in Modern Hall Park, a National Trust property in Merton, south London.
Rob Davies, the LFB’s commander for Richmond, previously told The Standard that a “rising tide” of wildfires is threatening London’s wildlife and biodiversity.
Peter Lawrence, assistant park manager at Richmond Park, added that he is “concerned” people are continuing to avoid bans on disposable BBQs in public spaces despite the threat of fines.
Most boroughs have enforced disposable BBQ bans in their green spaces, even in areas where it was previously permitted.
In a bid to offer a safer and more sustainable alternative, Islington and Southwark councils are testing out electric hotplates in some parks.
Meanwhile, special permission can be sought from Lambeth and Hammersmith and Fulham to use grills in open spaces as part of authorised events.
Thomas Goodall, the LFB’s Assistant Commissioner, said: “As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly.
“In London, this is can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.
“Across our boroughs, senior officers and crews work closely with their local authority to encourage them to patrol their parks, particularly at weekends, to ensure disposable barbecues aren’t being used inappropriately.”
Darren Share, Director of Parks at the Royal Parks, added: “It only takes one stray ember landing on dry grass to spark a devastating fire, putting lives at risk and destroying precious habitats.
“We’re urging everyone: please take care of yourselves, others and the environment — leave your BBQs at home, and please take care not to leave any litter, particularly, glass which can magnify the sun’s rays increasing the risk of a fire.”
