As Leeds enjoys summer temperatures, park visitors are reminded that barbecues are not permitted in the city’s parks, to protect the parks and their wildlife.
Whilst barbecues and any other fire lighting is banned from Leeds’s parks and greenspaces, picnics are more than welcome.
Barbecues increase the risk of accidental fires caused by ash and falling embers, which can spread very quickly on dry grass. They can also cause damage to the natural environment and have devastating effect on local wildlife and vegetation.
Visitors are also reminded to take litter home or place it in bins, as littering can become a fire hazard. Glass bottles left lying around in the sun can lead to fires, as can cigarettes thrown on the ground.
Wildfires are very common in the UK, with the National Fire Chiefs Council having warned that 2025 may be the worst year yet. Marsden Moor has been severely damaged in a significant wildfire this spring, and earlier this month firefighters tackled a moorland blaze near the M62 which burned in two directions, stretching about 2km each way.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “Every year as we start getting nice weather in Leeds, we love seeing people out and enjoying the sunshine in our parks and greenspaces.
“We do need to really raise awareness and remind people that we don’t allow barbecues or any kind of fire lighting, and that littering can also start fires.
“I know it can seem like a harmless thing, but barbecues and littering can lead to fires that are devastating for the wildlife, and our parks, so please bring a picnic to the park instead!
“If you do see a grass fire, please call 999.”
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s assistant district commander for Leeds, Aaron Clark, said: “We’re lucky enough to have some great green spaces here in Leeds but we just really want people to enjoy them safely. That includes things like not taking barbecues to parks or grassy areas – they can get hot and cause a lot of damage.
“For our crews, outdoor fires can be really intensive to tackle and take up a lot of resources, so it’s best for the whole community if you can help us by leaving barbecues at home.”
