How to Stay Safe from Fire During the Summer

Summer brings an increased risk of fires, especially during hot, dry weather. Whether you’re lighting a barbecue, cooking at a campsite, using electrical equipment outdoors or disposing of smoking materials, taking a few simple precautions can help prevent fires. Keep barbecues, fire pits and camping stoves well away from buildings, tents and dry vegetation, never leave flames or hot coals unattended, and only use fuel-burning equipment outdoors. If a fire starts, get everyone to safety, stay outside and call 999. 

Why Does Summer Increase the Risk of Outdoor Fires in Northamptonshire?

Warm, dry and windy weather can turn grass, hedges, crops and garden waste into easy fuel for a fire. A small flame or hot ember may spread beyond a barbecue, fire pit or bonfire before anyone nearby can control it.

This is a live local risk to be aware of during summer. On 7 July 2026, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 48 incidents during very dry conditions, including several field fires. Residents were asked to avoid bonfires and take extra care when using barbecues near fences and hedges.

Hence, check the weather and any restrictions set by the council, landowner, campsite or event organiser before lighting anything outdoors. If the ground is very dry or the wind is picking up, change the plan.

How Can You Use a Barbecue or Fire Pit Safely?

Put the barbecue on firm, level ground, well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs, dry grass and garden waste. Keep water, sand or a connected garden hose nearby. Set a clear cooking zone for children and pets.

Once it is lit:

• Stay with it until it has been put out.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never use petrol or paraffin to light or revive it.
• Do not move it while it is hot.
• Limit alcohol if you are responsible for cooking.
• Keep loose clothing and other flammable items away from the grill.

Never take a lit or cooling barbecue into a house, garage, shed, tent, awning, caravan or vehicle. Charcoal and other fuel-burning equipment can produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas with no colour or smell. Opening a door, window or tent flap does not provide enough ventilation.

After cooking, extinguish the barbecue coals fully and leave it in a safe place until every part is cold. Hot ash can melt a plastic bin and start another fire.

Keep fire pits away from buildings, overhead cables and vegetation. Never leave the embers burning. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service attended four local fires in April 2026 after barbecues, bonfires and fire pits spread to hedges, grass, fences and sheds.

How Do You Prevent Fires While Camping or Caravanning?

Tents can catch fire and burn quickly, so keep all cooking outside and well away from tent walls, entrances, awnings and long grass. Put stoves on a stable surface where they cannot be knocked over. Use a torch rather than candles, and do not smoke inside a tent.

Read the campsite’s fire instructions, find the assembly point and check your phone signal. Know how you would describe your location to the emergency services.

For caravans and motorhomes:

• Fit and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Keep vents clear.
• Turn cooking and heating appliances off before going out or going to bed.
• Store gas cylinders as instructed and change them outdoors.
• Check that gas connections are secure.
• Keep an escape route clear.

Never take a portable barbecue, camping stove, heater, lantern or charcoal grill into a tent, awning, caravan or vehicle. These items can continue to release carbon monoxide after cooking has finished. Do not bring them inside to provide heat or to protect them from rain.

How Can You Prevent Countryside Fires?

Avoid open fires in the countryside, only use barbecues in places where the landowner or local authority permits them, and follow any temporary ban during dry conditions. A disposable barbecue placed on grass, a bench or dry ground can leave enough heat behind to start a fire after you have gone.

• Put cigarettes out fully and take them away for safe disposal. 
• Take bottles, glass and other rubbish home or use the correct bin. 
• Do not release sky lanterns, which can travel beyond your control while still carrying a flame – Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service discourages their use because nobody can be certain where a lantern will land.

If you see smoke or fire, move away from it and call 999. Give the clearest location you can and describe what is burning. Do not approach a spreading grass or field fire, even if it still looks small. Wind can change its speed and direction quickly.

What Summer Fire Hazards Should You Check at Home?

Fans, garden tools, outdoor lighting and extension leads may be used more often in summer. Check them before use. Stop using anything with burn marks, exposed wires, unusual heat, buzzing or crackling sounds.

Use outdoor-rated cables and connectors, keep them dry and fully unwind cable reels. Never plug one extension lead into another or exceed its rated load.

Use residual current device (RCD) protection with outdoor equipment. Switch tools off and unplug them before cleaning or checking them. Test your smoke alarms and keep exit routes clear.

Fire risk assessment for a workplace or commercial premises

A fire risk assessment can identify ignition sources, people at risk and the precautions your premises need.

Arrange a fire risk assessment

What Should You Do if a Fire Starts?

Move people away from the fire, call 999 and give the exact location. Do not delay the call while trying to save belongings or put out a spreading fire. If the fire is inside a building, get out, stay out and close doors behind you where it is safe to do so.

If someone’s clothes catch fire, remember: stop, drop and roll.

1. Stop: Do not run. Moving quickly can make the flames spread.
2. Drop: Lie on the ground and cover the face where possible.
3. Roll: Roll over and over to smother the flames.

Once the flames are out, cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Burns should be treated straight away. Do not pull away clothing stuck to the skin or apply ice, butter, creams or greasy substances. Get medical help based on the severity of the burn.

Summer Fire Safety Checklist

Before an outdoor meal, camping trip or day in the garden, check that you can answer yes to these points:

• The barbecue or fire is permitted and safely positioned.
• Water, sand or a hose is close by.
• One sober adult is supervising the cooking.
• Children and pets cannot enter the hot area.
• Tents, awnings and vehicles are free from portable fuel-burning equipment.
• Electrical leads are suitable, dry, undamaged and fully unwound.
• Coals and embers will be extinguished and left until cold.
• Everyone knows to move away and call 999 if a fire spreads.

Stay Safe From Summer with Northants Fire

Are you confident that your current fire precautions still protect your premises, staff and visitors? 

Northants Fire supports businesses with fire risk assessments, fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and fire-safety training.

A suitable fire risk assessment can identify hazards, highlight gaps in your existing precautions and set out the actions your business should take. Northants Fire can also help you review the equipment and training needed to support safer day-to-day operations.

Do not wait until an incident exposes a problem. Call 01604 760600 to discuss your premises and the next steps, or arrange a fire risk assessment with the Northants Fire team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a disposable barbecue in a park?

Only if the council or landowner allows it and has provided a designated or safe area. Restrictions may be introduced during periods of dry weather. Never place a disposable barbecue on grass, dry ground or any surface that could catch fire.

Can I take a barbecue inside a tent after cooking?

No. A barbecue can continue to release carbon monoxide for hours after use, even when it appears to be out. Keep it outside and well away from tents, awnings, caravans and vehicles until it is completely cold.

When is it safe to throw away barbecue coals?

Only dispose of coals when they are fully extinguished and completely cold. Never put hot ash or coals into a plastic dustbin or wheelie bin. Always follow your local authority’s waste disposal guidance.

What should I do if I see a countryside fire?

Move to a safe place and call 999 immediately. Give the location and any nearby landmarks. Do not attempt to tackle a fire that is spreading through grass, crops or woodland.